There are all kinds of causes of shoulder pain. And it’s not something to mess with.
The shoulder is the most complicated joint in the human body, held together not by the solid connection of a shin and a thigh bone, but by a truss of soft tissue hung from the clavicle that connects the humerus to the shoulder socket of the scapula. The tissue is known as the rotator cuff, which is the series of muscles that attaches your humerus to the clavicle, or shoulder blade.
To give an extreme example, the now common shoulder replacement surgery has only been in practice for about 30 years. The first full knee replacement occurred 50 years ago.
These are the kinds of problems you may get in your shoulder:
Bursitis and tendinitis; these are known collectively as tendon inflammation, or a rip in the tendon. The bursae are little bags that are fluid-filled, and serve to make the joint mobile and stop friction. When these are pinched they can become irritated and inflamed. It can happen from repeated use – and simple use at that, through activities of daily living that involve your shoulder.
Arthritis – this typically affects people who are over 50 years of age, and is the effect of a cumulation of repetitious movement of your arm. There are two main kinds – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. The former is specifically a mechanical issue that stems from overuse, such as through sports. Rheumatoid arthritis is a genetic disorder that affects otherwise healthy joints, and can strike adults and even children.
Fractures – when one or more of the three bones that comprise your shoulder breaks.
Instability – if you’ve been an accident that broke a bone or, more likely, stretched the soft tissue past the point where it can reliably keep the bones of the shoulder cavity in place, the joint will lose its stability and the humerus may become dislocated, either partially or completely.
Impingement happens when the top of the shoulder pushes down on the soft tissue as the arm is lifted up from the side of the body. The top shoulder pressurizes the rotator cuff and the bursa, which will result in pain and a loss of movement.
Infection can occur after an injury or an operation.
Nerve issues can arise as complications of other injuries, and may be able to be treated unobtrusively by a chiropractor.
Tumors are rare, but they can occur inside the shoulder.
For all of these ailments, you should see an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor. Except for the most severe cases of bone breaks and instability, if you’re interested in non-obtrusive health care that includes every aspect of your well being, the chiropractor is a surprisingly effective choice.
Many of the symptoms you may feel can be mitigated or even solved by chiropractic intervention.