Shoulder & Arm Pain Treated at London Chiropractor MotionBack

The shoulder joint is very mobile but frequently has to withstand heavy loading as we lift, carry or perform repetitive tasks at work or in the home.

Mobility in the neck and upper back is also important for normal shoulder joint and muscle motion. Research has shown chiropractic care to be effective in restoring function and reducing pain and restriction caused by conditions affecting the joints and muscles of the shoulder. Conditions which result in arm pain such as ‘Tennis Elbow’ and ‘Golfer’s elbow’ are also responsive to chiropractic care.

All the conditions listed below are seen regularly in the clinic. The information is here to help, it is not a substitute to seeing a chiropractor or other qualified medical professional.

Rotator cuff injuries

Also known as tendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis or shoulder impingement.

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, which moves through the use of multiple joints and muscles. Overuse of the muscles can cause injuries such as rotator cuff tendinopathies (formerly tendinitis), bursitis, and shoulder joint laxity.

It is important to correct the function of the shoulder as opposed to just treating the painful area. If the root cause is not addressed then the problem may persist.

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as Adhesive Capsulitis

A frozen shoulder occurs when the joint loses lubrication and scar tissue is deposited around the area. This generally occurs in three stages known as the freezing, frozen, and thawing phases. People who have a frozen shoulder generally experience progressive stiffening of the shoulder, which can be very painful. Without treatment a frozen shoulder lasts for approximately 3 to 5 years and it is common for decreased range of motion to still be present after this time.

It is important to realise that if you have a frozen shoulder you must maintain as much flexibility as you can. This will help reduce the duration of the condition and increase the likelihood of a full recovery

Cervical disc injury with radiculopathy

Also known as a slipped disc, disc prolapse, disc bulge or herniated disc

In between each of the vertebra in the spine is a disc. These discs are full of fluid and act as shock absorbers. If too much force goes through the spine (one heavy load or multiple light loads) then the fluid in the disc can escape and irritate the nerves. This can cause neck pain, upper back pain, arm pain, muscular tension and spasms, as well as numbness and pins and needles.

It is important to realise that there are many names for a disc injury (slipped disc, prolapsed disc etc) but it all means the same thing. If the fluid in the disc is pressing on a nerve it will cause pain, the amount of pressure on the nerve determines the extent of the injury.

Tennis or Golfer’s elbow

Also known as lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis

The muscles that attach to either side of the elbow control the movement of the wrist. As the name suggests an injury to these muscles is most commonly associated with tennis and golf players.

Irritation of the muscles generally occurs due to overuse, underuse, and/or bad form. This can cause elbow pain, forearm pain, wrist pain or hand pain. It is important to consider that removing the irritation of the muscle may get rid of the pain but the problem can return unless the functional changes are addressed.