• Neck Pain, Headaches & Migraines
• Shoulder, Arm & Hand Pains & Problems
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
• Arthritis
• Computer Back Syndrome & Poor Posture
• Accidents, Neck Injuries & Whiplash
• Low Back Pain, Sciatica & Disc Problems
• Neurological (Nerve) Conditions
  
• Knee Pains & Problems
• Foot & Ankle Pains & Problems
• Spinal Care For Your Baby and Child
  
• Back Pain & Spinal Care During Pregnancy
  
• Maintaining Health & Wellness
  
• Sports Injury Management &
  Performance Enhancement

Shoulder Pain, Arm & Hand Pain and Problems

Nerve disruption to the shoulder, arm, and hand can cause a wide variety of symptoms including numbness, weakness, tingling and pain. Different qualities of pain may also manifest including throbbing pain, sharp stabbing pain, electric shock type pain, and even slow dull aching pain. These type of presentations may be caused by dysfunction of spinal and other joints.

Because shoulder, arm and hand pain and problems may result from stress to areas other than the neck and upper back, a correct diagnosis needs to be made after a thorough assessment of all these regions. Often patients present after having had sports or occupational injuries some involving repetitive stress or incorrect technique. Chiropractic care may remove and correct these problems along with good advice.

Shoulder Joint Dysfunction

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to perform many different movements and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones - the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus - many connecting ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff are common causes of shoulder pain and disability.

As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma as with sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint. Arthritic changes due occur in the shoulder joint though not as commonly as the weight bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often originate in the neck as the nerves from this region supply all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, arm and hand. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the normal mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overuses the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf or other repetitive activities that causes the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People who sit too much in a slouched position or with the shoulders held forward are also at risk at developing these imbalances and shoulder problems.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Regardless of the reason, if the imbalances and irritation to the shoulder are not corrected, pain and limitation of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight catching or pain to an almost complete inability to use the shoulder. This painful condition is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome and can afflict individuals of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common problem, especially among middle age women is " frozen shoulder. " This often debilitating condition occurs when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint get so irritated that adhesions develop making the joint almost stuck together. This results in an extreme limitation of shoulder motion and pain that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Left alone frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve and therefore needs attention by a professional such as a chiropractor.

There are many other disorders of the shoulder although those mentioned above are by far the most common.
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Treatment of Shoulder Problems and Pain

The treatment of most conditions of the shoulder is basically the same. One must correct muscle imbalances with either muscle balancing techniques, restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and of course correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises advised by your chiropractor are also essential in order for a full & fast recovery.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is the common name given to pain originating on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This condition arises from an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or several forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle. Therefore the medical term for this condition is lateral epicondylitis, meaning an inflammation of the epicondyle. If the condition is located on the inside or medial side of the elbow it is often referred as Golfer's Elbow or medial epicondylitis. This, however, is not as prevalent as lateral epicondylitis.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

There are many causes for Epicondylitis - not just tennis & golf - as any activity that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this affliction. Some individuals develop tennis or golfer's elbow from prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture. With sports, the problem arises when we are new to the game, use an improper technique, try out new racquets or clubs, or increase the intensity or duration of exercise without the proper preparation.

Sometimes the condition can be so severe that it is difficult to even grip and lift one's coffee cup!

Some cases involving epicondylitis can be attributed to problems further up the arm or even in the neck. If someone has a disc condition or spinal subluxation, the nerves that control the forearm muscles may become irritated causing the muscles to tense and put marked strain on the tendon attachment(s). In these circumstances, this predisposes an individual to elbow pain from any of the above mentioned causes. If left untreated it is possible that the joints of the elbow can become subluxated further complicating the condition.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves on its own and requires proper management. A chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the correct care and treatment. Chiropractic adjustments have proven extremely effective in the overall management of this problem. There may be the need to incorporate other modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, massage, hot and cold treatments, bracing and home stretching and exercises.Back to Top

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.

Chiropractic Treatment or Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are a number of different ways to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back or neck may cause this condition, and chiropractic adjustments of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective care option for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These treatments, along with stretching, and strengthening exercises may in many cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
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