Are You Struggling with Shoulder Pain? Here's What You Need to Know
Posted Thursday, July 31, 2023 by Brunswick Chiropractic. Filed under Conditions
There are many reasons why your shoulder might be sore, affecting your daily life and hindering your productivity. If you're experiencing discomfort in your shoulder, it's important to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate management.
Let's dive into the complexities of shoulder anatomy and explore the factors that contribute to shoulder pain.
Anatomy: More than a Simple Joint
Contrary to popular belief, the shoulder is not just a simple ball and socket joint.
It comprises four different joints known as the shoulder girdle:
- the glenohumeral joint (GH),
- acromioclavicular joint (AC),
- sternoclavicular joint (SC), and
- scapulothoracic joint (ST).
These joints are supported by:
- Muscles that cross each joint,
- Tendons attaching muscle to bone,
- Ligaments providing support to each joint,
- Cartilage lining the joint surfaces, and
- Bursae (fluid filled sacs) that act as cushions within the shoulder joint.
Any of these structures can be the source of your shoulder pain.
The Complexity and Vulnerability of the Shoulder
The shoulder's complex anatomy, coupled with its remarkable mobility and the demands placed on it during day-to-day activities, make it susceptible to injury.
Research indicates that shoulder pain affects up to 26% of the adult population.
Physical workplace demands such as;
- Overhead work
- Heavy Lifting
- Forceful work and
- Awkward postures
Have been shown to predispose people to shoulder pain. Particularly when these factors are daily or repetitive.
Identifying the Injured Tissue
Determining which structures are injured in your shoulder can be challenging without professional assistance.
Our osteopaths, chiropractors, myotherapists and remedial massage therapists are trained professionals who can perform tests to identify the source of your pain. By matching your symptoms and presentation with these test results, can help us identify the injured tissue and provide a better understanding of your pain.
Considering Other Factors
Pathologies and conditions from other regions and body systems can also result in shoulder pain
These include;
- Neck injuries
- Inflammatory rheumatic conditions (polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)
- Fibromyalgia
- Systemic infections
- Heart conditions
- Lung conditions
- Liver and gall bladder conditions
Therefore, a thorough history-taking and examination by a trained health professional is the key to understanding the underlying causes of your pain and managing it appropriately.
Take Action Today
If you're experiencing shoulder pain that is impacting your daily life, it's time to take action. Book an appointment with one of our skilled professionals, such as an osteopath, chiropractor, myotherapist or remedial massage therapist. They can help you better understand your pain, identify the injured tissue, and provide effective management strategies to alleviate your discomfort.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4836557/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6733325/
Dr Cloe graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)