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Your shoulder is the most mobile part of your body, which makes it possible to accomplish most of your tasks. However, this mobility makes it prone to injury and wear and tear. Dr. Whitehouse has years of experience treating shoulder problems and can help you avoid them. He offers non-invasive chiropractic treatments to alleviate Westfield shoulder pain restoring optimal function. Below are the common causes of shoulder pain:
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Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent triggers of shoulder pain in older adults above 50. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones starts wearing away, causing your bones to clash against each other. Osteoarthritis occurs due to joint overuse. If you have an occupation that involves constantly moving your joints, such as basketball or manual work, you may have an elevated risk of developing the disorder. Although no known treatment exists for this disorder, NSAIDs and cortisone shots can alleviate your pain, allowing you to resume your daily activities.
Rotator cuff injury
Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that facilitate movement in your arm. When your tendons tear, your humerus can’t rotate easily in the socket, making it difficult to move your arm. As you grow older, your tendons begin degenerating and losing strength, making your shoulder joint prone to rotator cuff tears. This injury is more prevalent in middle-aged and older adults with a history of shoulder problems; however, younger people can also develop them. Your shoulder lacks adequate blood supply, which makes it difficult for injured tendons and ligaments to repair themselves. Repetitive movement, overuse, carrying a heavy object, or falling can result in rotator cuff tears. Symptoms may include soreness and tenderness in your shoulder. If you have a ruptured tendon, you may have difficulty lifting your arm and sleeping on your side.
Frozen shoulder
A frozen shoulder can develop at any age, although it is more common in adults between 40 and 60. The underlying causes are still a mystery, although medical experts assert that having heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, or thyroid disease can elevate your risk. You can also develop a frozen shoulder if your shoulder has been immobile for some time. A minor injury can also affect how your joint moves leading to this disorder. The scar tissue in the joint minimizes flexibility making it difficult to move your arm without pain.
Shoulder instability
This disorder often affects athletes and younger people. When you stretch your shoulder muscles beyond their limit, your shoulder becomes unstable. In younger people, shoulder instability is part of growth and development, and as they age, their shoulders stiffen, making them less prone to this injury. In athletes, this injury occurs due to specific motions necessary for pitching or tackling. These motions exert a lot of pressure on your shoulder ligaments, causing them to overstretch over time. Shoulder instability causes recurrent pain, weakness in your arm, and a feeling of looseness in your joint.
Although it is difficult to avoid shoulder injuries, you can reduce your risk by adding exercises to your daily schedule to loosen muscle tension in your shoulder. These exercises can also increase your range of motion and flexibility. Dr. Whitehouse can advise you on the exercises that can help you avoid injury.
For more information about the causes of shoulder pain, call Dr. Whitehouse or book an appointment online.
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