Many doctors and chiropractors will likely agree that shoulder pain is a common complaint among patients. I know I see it frequently in my practice. Whether due to a mysteriously emerging chronic pain, an acute injury, an overuse injury, disease, or something else entirely, shoulder pain can wreak havoc for sufferers. Finding the cause, then working toward a treatment–other than over-the-counter pain medications–is usually the primary goal of patients who complain about this type of pain.
As a chiropractor in Colorado Springs I want to help patients pinpoint the cause of their pain and get them on the path toward recovery as quickly and naturally as possible. When a patient visits a chiropractic professional, they will need to discuss all the symptoms, as well as how long they have experienced those symptoms. They will also need to discuss their daily activities, as well as any sports or recreational activities in which they participate, along with their job and what it entails. Medical professionals can often glean a great deal about what might cause their pain from one or more of these pieces of information.
What Are Some Common Causes for Shoulder Pain?
It usually helps patients most to understand the root and cause of their pain, so they can make sense of it and start thinking about possible solutions. Following are some of the most common causes for shoulder pain:
- Bursitis or Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. By far, the most common diagnosis for patients includes the rotator cuff, and they usually suffer from bursitis or tendonitis, which simply means that they suffer from inflammation in that area. Also known as impingement syndrome, these types of inflammation usually start with an initial injury which causes the bursa and tendons swell and expand, creating pain and discomfort. Patients usually find relief through physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments and rest. Surgery is rarely necessary to treat this condition.
- Rotator Cuff Tears. This cause for shoulder pain sometimes, though not always, can lead to surgery. Rotator cuff tears can come from an impact, or sudden injury. Sports activities that use the shoulder heavily like swimming might also cause patients to experience this cause of shoulder pain. Common conservative treatments including physical therapy and chiropractic care should be tried before considering surgery.
- Dislocation. Also often sports-related, shoulder dislocation can cause the sufferer great pain since the top of the arm bone becomes disconnected from the shoulder blade bone. Once the doctor makes the diagnosis, they can put the shoulder back in proper position to help alleviate the immediate pain. The physician will know best whether the patient should undergo surgery for a permanent correction to the problem. Either way, the patient will need rehabilitation to help heal over time.
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