Shoulder pain is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions. Fortunately, chiropractors can provide lasting pain relief.
Sadly, shoulder pain is one of the most common conditions people will face. Research published by the National Library of Medicine has found that more than a quarter of people may experience shoulder pain. Many will suffer chronic and recurrent shoulder pain, and it could have a major impact on their quality of life. Fortunately, a chiropractor can provide hands-on treatment that could deliver lasting relief.
Let’s take a look at what causes shoulder pain and how a chiropractor can help.
Getting to the Root of Shoulder Pain
Why does shoulder pain occur? Often, pain is the result of improper heavy lifting, a slip and fall, car accidents, and other events. In some cases, shoulder pain may be the result of or aggravated by hereditary and medical conditions.
Digging deeper, shoulder pain is often the result of improper spinal alignment. Misalignment of other bones and tissues could also cause or aggravate you or your loved one’s condition. Hands-on therapy can be used to ensure proper alignment of the spine and other bones and tissues, which can reduce strain and provide relief (more on that later.)
Unfortunately, many conditions and events can affect the alignment of the spine and other bones and tissues, including:
- Whiplash and other injuries sustained during car accidents and similar events
- Poor ergonomics, including chairs and beds that don’t provide enough support
- Arthritis and general wear and tear on the shoulder
- Strain due to overexertion
- Avascular necrosis (bone tissue death) and other medical conditions
Aging can impact your overall health and make shoulder pain more likely. As the years go by, folks should reduce heavy lifting and pay extra close attention to ergonomics, among other things. However, young people can suffer from shoulder pain.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the aches, it’s smart to talk with a chiropractor, who may be able to help you pin down the cause(s).
Chiropractors Provide Lasting Pain Relief by Addressing Underlying Conditions
Crucially, chiropractors don’t depend on medication to treat pain. Not only are many medications expensive, but they can also have serious side effects. Sadly, many people also become addicted to pain medications. On top of all that, these medicines may only mask the pain, meaning it’ll return, and as your body builds up immunity to the medications, they may also prove less effective.
Folks shouldn’t have to suffer through pain or rely on medication to enjoy a good life. Fortunately, working with a chiropractor is a safe and direct way to address not just shoulder pain, but the underlying conditions that are causing pain.
Let’s look at some of the specific ways a chiropractor can help patients address shoulder pain.
Spinal Manipulation and Correction
One of the most powerful treatment methods a chiropractor can offer is spinal manipulation. With this treatment method, chiropractors will gently adjust the shape of the spine, aiming to ensure proper alignment. Your spine forms the foundation for your body, and its alignment can greatly impact your shoulder and even your limbs.
By adjusting the spine, a chiropractor may be able to reduce strain on muscles, bones, and other tissues, such as cartilage and tendons. This, in turn, can reduce strain and pain, including in the shoulder.
Soft Tissue Manipulation
Chiropractors can work muscles with various physical modalities to break up scar tissue and stimulate increased blood circulation, thus potentially providing effective pain relief without needing to rely on medications.
Helping Patients Formulate Exercise Routines
A chiropractor can help you devise routines and workouts that could relieve strain and improve strength, thus improving back and shoulder health.
Chiropractors may be able to assist in many other ways, such as helping families select the right furniture or to identify lifestyle adjustments that could reduce strain and pain. If you or a loved one are suffering from shoulder pain, contact a chiropractor right away to pave the path to pain relief.