Your shoulders work hard for you. Unless you’ve ever had a shoulder problem, you probably don’t even think much about them. Shoulder problems are common, but there are things you can do to stay healthy.
Inactivity is not good
If you don’t move your joints enough, you can end up with stuck joints, painful muscle spasms, and even “frozen shoulder”. Frozen shoulder is painful, and it limits your ability to do almost everything. You don’t want to go there! To avoid this, make sure that you routinely move your shoulder joints through their ranges of motion. This may happen naturally with regular activities that you do on a daily basis, or through gentle, purposeful movement. Don’t ever force a movement, and don’t overdo. Ask your chiropractor for more information about exactly how this goal fits in with your own situation.
The most common culprit
The most common problem is inactivity while sitting at a computer, or while using a hand-held device. These activities cause you to sit in one place, while your hands, arms and shoulders are “tensed” in a certain position. For this reason, always pay attention to your chair and workspace, use good posture, and get up and move around and stretch regularly to avoid spasms and loss of joint motion.
The wrong kind of activity
We’ve all been there. You are doing an intense activity (say gardening, housework, exercising) and your body tells you to stop. You think “almost done”, and keep going anyway. Then you are upset with yourself when you feel sore or are injured. Always listen to your body. And think things through. Make sure that you are not placing your joints in vulnerable positions when you are doing activities.
It all works together
Having a problem in one area of your body can be related to other areas. Chiropractic recognizes patterns in the spine and surrounding joints. So, when you receive a treatment, you may notice that you are getting treated in areas of your spine that are not directly at the level of your complaint. Your body may accommodate for any lack of motion by increasing motion somewhere else. For instance, your right shoulder may lose some of its motion, but you may notice increased motion in your midback. This is your body’s accommodation to help you get by, but shouldn’t be ignored.
How chiropractic can help
Gentle, precise treatment that targets the painful or problem area can relieve pain, increase motion, and keep the problem from becoming chronic and painful. No popping or cracking is necessary. Chiropractic care, along with healthier habits can mean a world of difference!
If you already have chronic shoulder problems, chiropractic care can assist you in keeping the mobility that you need for function.
Committed to Your Health
We are committed to a partnership with you, our patients. Stay safe and healthy, and call us to schedule your next appointment!
