01What Causes Shoulder Pain
The list of possible causes is long, but the common ones are neck and upper back tightness, spinal misalignment, arthritis, abnormal patterns of movement, and athletic injuries and automobile accidents.
A few of those point to localized swelling in the joint itself — but more of them point at the spine. The nerves controlling the shoulder originate there. If the vertebrae around the neck and upper back are compressed or injured, those nerves are irritated and the shoulder hurts. Even a minor misalignment can interrupt the communication between nerve and shoulder and start a cascade of problems. What presents as shoulder pain is often referred pain from the spinal column.
02Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury
Because the causes vary so widely, shoulder pain and abnormal movement in the joint may creep up gradually or arrive all at once. The symptoms can be subtle at first, and even subtle ones can develop into major problems. Given how much of daily life runs through this joint, anything unusual should be watched carefully and dealt with promptly.
Signs that call for an evaluation of the shoulder include pain lasting more than a week; pain that goes away and returns frequently; difficulty raising your arm above your head; trouble or pain carrying objects; pain in the joint that gets worse in the evening; visible damage such as bruising or swelling; and unusual snapping or clicking during movement.
03Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive alternative to medication and surgery, and it works quickly for many patients. Chiropractors in Tucson AZ are trained to address problems in both the spine and the shoulder complex that produce shoulder pain.
Care begins with a thorough evaluation drawing on your medical history and advanced imaging to determine the cause. Once the diagnosis is clear, it drives an individual care plan built around a fast recovery. Call our team at Tanque Verde Chiropractic Clinic for help.
