Tips to Prevent and Treat Shoulder Pain
By Amy Silva
Shoulder pain affects people of all ages. There are many causes and not all are a major cause for concern, but there are times pain can linger and make it difficult to get through your day. An activity you've always done daily without a problem, such as blow drying your hair or reaching for something on the top shelf, can unexpectedly cause discomfort or pain in your shoulder. Seeking alternative options, such as chiropractic care, for shoulder issues prior to turning to medication is becoming more common.
Causes of Shoulder Discomfort or Pain
Discomfort felt in the shoulders often goes away after a few days or weeks, depending on the cause and treatment. Those with physical jobs or who are active in sports can be prone to more serious injuries, but shoulder pain has various causes, is relatively common and can happen to anyone. People who have previously injured their shoulder may be prone to injuring it again.
A few shoulder issues may start as mild but can sometimes be recurring or turn into lifelong conditions. A pinched nerve or tendonitis, for example, can go away after a short time or they can become chronic. Shoulder injuries can include having a tear in the cartilage or rotator cuff, a fracture in the shoulder or collarbone, dislocating the joint or having a pinched nerve. There are conditions that can affect you for life, including various types of arthritis and wear and tear on joints as we age.
Treatments and Prevention for Shoulder Pain
- Maintain good posture - Be mindful of your posture throughout the day
- Use caution - Be careful when lifting, bending or doing other everyday activities that might strain the muscles, ligaments or tendons in the shoulders
- Move slowly - Avoiding quick movements could prevent shoulder pain or injury from occurring
- Stretch - Do gentle stretches prior to activities where your shoulders could be injured
- Chiropractic - Have an assessment done by a professional chiropractor for prevention or treatment of shoulder problems
- Rest - Resting the injured shoulder(s) can quicken healing time and reduce overall discomfort or pain
- Hot and cold therapy - Applying heat or ice to the shoulder(s) might lessen pain
The chiropractors at The Joint may be able to reduce or eliminate your shoulder discomfort, depending on the cause. Seeking chiropractic care, taking preventative measures and following at-home treatments when dealing with existing shoulder pain could be all you need to lessen your pain and avoid medications. The Joint Chiropractic has locations across the country, and they're open evenings and weekends for your convenience.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fitchburg, Wis.