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Shoulder Pain Isn't Part of the Design
All kinds of people can be affected by shoulder pain.
Imagine a weight lifter without the ability to reach down and then push up.
Consider the success of a golfer who couldn't complete his swing. What if your
electrician couldn't reach up and away from his/her body to connect your wiring?
And if you couldn't scratch that itch? All these movements come courtesy of
the design of the shoulders.
To investigate the cause of shoulder pain, we should first understand the design
and proper function of the shoulder. First of all, the shoulder is the most
moveable joint in the body. Its design allows it to swing in a beautiful arc
using incredible range of motion. The shoulder joint consists of the upper end
of the humerus (arm) bone that finishes in a round shape the size of a billiard
ball. This little ball fits into a cup shaped portion of bone on the shoulder,
the size of a teaspoon. The shoulder joint is held in place by the surrounding
muscles and ligaments. This area receives nerve supply through the upper thoracic
(upper back) and lower cervical (neck and shoulder) spinal bones. Any interference
to the nerve to the shoulder equals a malfunction or weakness in the area.
There are ergonomic issues in the work place that can contribute to shoulder
pain. Sitting in one place too long or being required to hold one's arms out
at an uncomfortable angle for extended periods of time may contribute. Poor
training methods and inadequate stretching and warm up might contribute to some
shoulder pain in some athletes. But, not all workers doing the same job
experience shoulder pain and neither do all athletes in the same sport.
Chiropractors frequently treat patients who come into our clinic because of
shoulder pain. Often what we conclude after examination of the area is that
there is one or more misalignments of the spinal bones in the neck and/or upper
back that is causing the problem. Without these bones having proper position
and function, the body is unable to support the shoulder's movement. Motion
is restricted. Function is decreased. Pain develops.
Shoulders were designed to allow you to do what you need to do. If you are
suffering from shoulder pain or loss of range of motion in your shoulders, a
chiropractic exam is something you need to have. Call our office today.
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