If you struggle with shoulder pain, then there are several likely culprits. One common cause of shoulder pain is known as shoulder impingement syndrome. If you tend to perform repeated movements that involve reaching or lifting your arms above your head, then you are more likely to develop shoulder pain related to shoulder impingement syndrome. The shoulder joint is a complex combination of bones and soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and bursa. Repetitive movements can cause aggravation to the soft tissues in the shoulder joint that lead to pain, swelling, and inflammation. Schedule an appointment with your Tucker chiropractor for shoulder pain chiropractic care that utilizes an all-natural and drug-free approach to your treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Pain, swelling, and inflammation in the shoulder joint are common signs and symptoms of a variety of shoulder injuries and overuse injuries. Where the pain is located and what parts of the shoulder joint swell or become inflamed can determine whether you are dealing with shoulder impingement syndrome. You may have shoulder impingement syndrome if you experience pain in the area where the upper arm bone meets the shoulder blade. Raising your arms over your head repetitively can cause the tendons and fluid-filled sacs known as bursa to become pinched or compressed. You may have trouble reaching your arms up and behind your back. Shoulder impingement syndrome tends to cause pain along the top and outside of the shoulder, and pain may get worse when you reach overhead. Shoulder impingement syndrome may also cause weakness in the affected shoulder.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome is common among athletes who participate in activities that require repetitive arm and shoulder movements above the head. Athletes like swimmers, tennis players, and volleyball players are more susceptible to this kind of shoulder joint condition. In addition to repetitive sports and work-related motions, here are some examples of possible causes of shoulder impingement syndrome.
Sudden Shoulder Injury
A sudden shoulder injury, also known as an acute injury, can compress the space around the tendons and bursa. An athlete may experience a sudden impact to the shoulder joint that can cause shoulder impingement syndrome.
Rotator Cuff Inflammation
The rotator cuff involves the structures of the shoulder joint that help you to move your shoulder. Inflammation and swelling around these tendons and muscles can also cause clicking sounds when moving the shoulder joint.
Swelling of the Bursae
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs inside joints that help provide cushion from the bones rubbing against muscles and tendons. When the bursa in the shoulder joint swells, it can cause pain, tenderness, and inflammation.
Bone Spurs
Extra lumps can form along the ends of bones due to joint damage, arthritis, or even an acute injury. Shoulder bone spurs can be painful and problematic due to the narrow space inside the shoulder joint. A bone spur can pinch tendons in the rotator cuff, causing irritation.
Shoulder Instability
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body which means the joint can become unstable easier than others. Shoulder instability means the joint can slide out of its socket, and once it occurs once it can become loose and earlier prone to dislocation.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Non-invasive treatment options are safe and effective for shoulder impingement syndrome. Resting the shoulder can provide pain relief and a chance for the swelling and inflammation to go down. Avoid any movements that may aggravate your shoulder or make the pain worse. Apply ice packs to the affected shoulder to help reduce inflammation and provide a temporary numbing sensation. You may also try anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs to help reduce pain and inflammation. Find out how to treat frozen shoulder with proper treatment.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Shoulder Pain
Talk to your Tucker chiropractor about shoulder pain caused by shoulder impingement syndrome. Stretches and exercises can help strengthen and support the muscles in your shoulder joint. Your chiropractor can also work with you through stretches and exercises to improve the range of motion and reduce inflammation and instability in the shoulder joint. Chiropractic care can help restore any misalignment in the shoulder joint, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve healthy functioning.
Visit AICA Orthopedics in Tucker for shoulder pain chiropractic care.