Tenderness, limited range of motion, outright pain — if you’re experiencing any of this in your shoulder, you may be leaning on pain medications to get by. But you have other options, and the chiropractor is one of them. Here’s how chiropractors, like Dr. McSweeney here in Reno, help shoulder pain.
IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE
While it may feel like it, shoulder pain doesn’t come from nowhere. An important first step is diagnosing the cause of that discomfort. Chiropractic care targets the musculoskeletal system with the understanding that the many systems of the body are designed to work together. The shoulder is an integral joint, and it needs to work seamlessly with the neck, the spine, and the rest of the body. A chiropractor will assess the shoulder in relation to the rest of the body to pinpoint the issue. And there could be a few.
Common shoulder problems include:
- dislocation
- rotator cuff injury
- bursitis
- strains or sprains
- tendonitis
Depending on the type of shoulder pain you have, you may notice tenderness beneath the shoulder blades, in the shoulder joint, in the shoulder when you breathe, or when you make lateral or bilateral shoulder movements.
Fortunately, there’s often some wiggle room between living with the pain and going under the knife. In many cases, shoulder pain stems from irritation to the tendons, ligaments, nerves, or muscles. Inflammation relating to nutrition choices can also exacerbate shoulder pain. Once your chiropractor assesses and diagnoses your shoulder and asks questions relating to lifestyle and nutrition, a treatment plan will follow.
SHOULDER PAIN TREATMENTS
Depending on the findings, treatment may include a combination of joint manipulation, stretching, massage therapy, strengthening exercises, adjustments, and perhaps dietary changes or supplements. Every patient is different, and your treatment will be personalized to meet your needs. The goal, besides getting you out of pain, is to bring alignment back to the entire body and directly heal the shoulder.
In Reno, Dr. McSweeney can help with all kinds of physical issues, including shoulder pain. Learn more about what to expect at your first visit, and schedule an appointment today.