Your shoulder may be the most mobile joint in your body, but its impressive range of motion also leaves it prone to a variety of problems ranging from instability and impingement to injury and inflammation. Michael R. Lodes, DC and the team at Lodes Chiropractic Center can help you find natural, long-term relief from shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to conventional medical care. Call our office at 302-477-1565 or book an appointment online today.
Shoulder Pain Q & A
Why does my shoulder hurt?
Most cases of shoulder pain stem from instability, inflammation, injury, or degeneration. Chronic shoulder pain is often a symptom of one of the following conditions:
Tendon tears
Rotator cuff injuries, which occur when the tendons in your shoulder split or tear, are a leading cause of ongoing shoulder pain. Tendon problems can be the result of an acute injury or normal wear-and-tear.
Impingement
This biomechanical problem occurs when the top of your shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues as you lift your arm away from your body. Left untreated, it can lead to bursitis or tendonitis.
Bursitis
This painful problem develops when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones of your shoulder joint become inflamed. Bursitis often occurs concurrently with tendonitis or a rotator cuff injury.
Tendonitis
Caused by the wearing down of the tendon that connects muscle to bone in your shoulder joint, tendonitis is often the result of excessive shoulder activity or arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Also known as degenerative joint disease, this age-related condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects your shoulder joint wears away, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Can a neck problem lead to shoulder pain?
Although persistent shoulder pain usually originates within the joint itself, shoulder pain can be a symptom of a problem in your cervical spine or neck. That’s because eight of the nerves that are rooted in your cervical spine extend down into your shoulders.
When trauma, damage, or any other disorder in your neck compresses or irritates these nerves, you may experience constant or sporadic pain that radiates down into your shoulder.
Why should I investigate chronic shoulder pain?
When shoulder pain is unrelenting, seeking an accurate diagnosis to identify the underlying cause of the problem should be a top priority. Knowing why your shoulder hurts is the first step to resolve or manage your condition so it won’t progress into something more serious.
On top of diagnosing your shoulder pain, Dr. Lodes can offer innovative treatment strategies that address the underlying problem, ease your discomfort, and help you return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
How is shoulder pain treated?
To address persistent shoulder pain at its root, chiropractic care aims to advance soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and guide supporting muscles and connective tissues toward more balanced joint use.
In conjunction with massage, physical therapy, and specific lifestyle recommendations, Dr. Lodes also uses sophisticated laser therapy to stimulate rapid cellular proliferation and tissue regeneration. Besides providing instant pain relief, this amazing technology helps accelerate the healing process.
If you’re ready to find natural, long-term relief from shoulder pain, call Lodes Chiropractic Center at 302-477-1565 or schedule an appointment online today.
