Chiropractic Care for the Shoulder
By Dr. Nate Lorenc, Chiropractor, Natural Health Center
Most of us aren’t too concerned with our shoulders - until they act up. One morning, we wake up and pull our blanket off or put a jacket on and feel a sharp pain in our upper arm. We may not even recall any specific event that could have caused it.
When we do experience shoulder pain, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what is going on and how to recover. In this article, we explore the structure of the shoulder, what causes shoulder injuries and how chiropractic care can be an effective treatment.
25 percent of adults experience shoulder pain
Shoulder pain affects about 25 percent of adults at some point during their lifetime, and it unfortunately seems to become more prevalent as we age. This is particularly true in physically demanding jobs that require heavy lifting, awkward positions and repetition.
However, sedentary jobs involving long hours of sitting may also increase our chances of experiencing shoulder pain. People who sit less and take more breaks at work report less pain in general than those who sit for 75 percent or more of the day. As the body becomes more accustomed to sitting, the shoulder may not be as prepared as it should be when asked to lift or stretch in a particular way.
The amazing structure of the shoulder
The shoulder is considered to be the most mobile joint in the human body. This is possible because of the complex network of tendons, muscles, nerves and bones all working together. It is truly a remarkable structure, and incorporates a larger area than you may have imagined: the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone) cover a region from the upper back, neck and chest and out to the upper arm.
Fun fact: The bones of the shoulder are barely connected to the rest of the skeleton (there’s just a single attachment at the collarbone!).
Because of the tremendous range of motion of the joint, the torso plays an important supportive role. The arm is able to perform so many elaborate movements because of the torso’s ability to provide a stable foundation. If you are familiar with tetherball, think of the freely swinging ball tethered to a somewhat flexible yet stable pole to help explain the relationship between flexibility and stability. The torso acts as the pole, providing a solid yet flexible anchor for the arm (the tethered ball) to perform its function. A baseball pitcher, as another example, needs torso control to accelerate and decelerate the rapid arm swing they perform to throw a ball at a high speed.
Causes of shoulder injuries
Many shoulder injuries can be the result of overuse from jobs or activities that require repetitive heavy lifting or motions that are repeated for a long period. But overuse can be a vague term; the body’s position during these tasks, amount of rest in between work or activity, and even job satisfaction can all be contributing factors.
Underuse, on the other hand, may not cause a problem while someone is in a sedentary or inactive position, but it may predispose them to injury if they suddenly need to use the shoulder in a way their body is not prepared for. An example of this is the first snowstorm of the year and suddenly finding yourself needing to shovel your driveway to get to work on time! If most of the previous months were spent with the shoulder on the armrest, this may present a challenge.
It’s not necessarily the body’s fault - our bodies tend to adapt to what you do most often (or the demand placed upon it). If we sit for the majority of the day without changing positions frequently, our bodies grow more accustomed to that position and less accustomed to the full range of motion the shoulder likes to enjoy. When we suddenly call the shoulder into action, it may be vulnerable as a result.
A quick note: We must be careful not to demonize sitting, as it is a necessary position for all of us, whether we are in the workplace or not. But changing positions somewhat frequently (every 30-60 minutes) can allow us to enjoy sitting more. I have always liked the expression “Your next posture is your best posture.”
How can chiropractic care help with shoulder pain?
Chiropractors are well trained in the anatomy of the shoulder and diagnosing specific injuries. The mechanism of how the shoulder was injured and the specific structures involved are crucial in determining the best course of action to allow it to recover fully. Taking a detailed history of the injury and performing specific tests with the shoulder in different positions provide information on what treatment, exercises and lifestyle recommendations should be prescribed.
Treatment of an injured shoulder should not only address the specific location of the pain, but the surrounding areas that may tighten up or fatigue as a result of the injury. Manual therapy and chiropractic manipulation help to reduce pain, inflammation and restricted ranges of motion, while exercises and stretches specific to the individual get the shoulder back to its full strength and mobility. (Rest alone often does not allow it to recover completely.) Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations will also be made to put the body in the best environment to allow for healing.
Chiropractic care and shoulder pain: A summary
Shoulder pain is common in adults, and tends to become more common as we age.
Shoulder injuries can be the result of both overuse and underuse.
As the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, the relationship between flexibility and stability is an important consideration.
Chiropractors are well trained to diagnose and treat the sometimes complex nature of a shoulder injury.
Care should not only address the location of pain, but also the surrounding area that may be tight or fatigued.
If you have any questions regarding the benefits of chiropractic care for shoulder pain, please contact our team at the Natural Health Center in Anchorage today to schedule a visit.
About Dr. Nate Lorenc, Chiropractor
Dr. Lorenc received his B.S. in Kinesiology from San Jose State University and his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer West College of Chiropractic. He is continually expanding his knowledge and has received certifications in Active Release Technique, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, and Graston Technique. Dr. Lorenc is particularly interested in the complexity of pain and attends continuing medical education seminars on a regular basis. He, along with his wife and three children, recently relocated to Alaska from California.
Learn more about Dr. Lorenc or contact us to schedule an appointment.