The achievement of many different movements and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many connecting ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. shoulder pain and disability are usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues around the joint. Arthritic changes do occur in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
The nerves in the cervical spine region innervate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the root of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the normal mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar problem can occur if one overburdens the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too much in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and limited motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and irritation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost entire inability to use the shoulder. patients of all ages are afflicted by this painful problem known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Frozen Shoulder
Another common predicament is ” frozen shoulder. “This often debilitating condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint grow so inflamed that adhesions occur making the joint almost stuck together. This results in intense pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Orlando chiropractor is crucial. The disorders mentioned above are the most prevalent of all shoulder disorders.
Treatment
Most shoulder treatments are generally the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises suggested by your Orlando chiropractor are also vital for a thoroughand fast recovery.