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Arm & Shoulder
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What Can Cause Arm and
Shoulder Pain? |
Pain and other symptoms
in the arm and shoulder may be due to injury of the neck or
cervical spine. The seven cervical vertebrae (spinal bones) in
the neck have highly mobile joints so that you can bend and tilt
your neck. Since the neck is exceptionally flexible, it is
susceptible to injury and pain which can be referred to the
shoulder and the arm. (It should be noted, however, that pain in
the arm and shoulder may be due to other conditions not related
to the cervical spine such as frozen shoulder, strain/sprain
syndromes, osteomas, etc.)
The vertebrae are separated by discs, which are stiff jelly-like
pads that act as elastic cushions between the spinal bones.
Neck, shoulder and arm pain may be caused by an abnormal bulging
or protrusion of a disc in the cervical spine, The disc may
impinge on the spinal nerve roots or irritate the spinal cord
itself. This is also known as a herniated or slipped disc.
Cervical disc lesions that can cause arm and shoulder pain can
be acute or chronic. For example, sudden and severe pain (acute
torticollis) can result from lying too still for too long, on a
pillow too thick or too thin, or in a position that keeps the
neck in a sideways position for a long period.
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What Can I Do to Ease
the Pain Temporarily? |
- Apply an ice pack(s) to the
area to reduce inflammation and swelling and thereby decrease
the pain. Use the ice pack(s) for periods of 20 to 30 minutes
with at least a 30-minute interval between each application.
- If you have insidious,
recurring pain, apply moist heat to the back of the neck, arm
and shoulders. Use the heat for periods of 20 minutes with at
least a 30 minute interval between each application. A word of
caution: these are temporary remedies and not a substitute for
seeking immediate professional evaluation and care.
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What Can the Doctor of
Chiropractic Do to Help? |
Doctors of chiropractic
are educated and trained in the detection and care of problems
related to the spine. Your first visit to the chiropractor will
include a complete chiropractic examination. X- rays may be
ordered to screen for possible underlying pathologies and to
reveal extreme distortions of the spine.
If your doctor of chiropractic feels that chiropractic care is
appropriate in your case, he/she may give you an adjustment to
help reduce the misalignments and ease the pressure on the spinal
nerve roots. In addition your chiropractor may advise you on
therapeutic exercises, job safety, work-related posture and
dietary information.
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What Can I Do to
Prevent Arm and Shoulder Pain? |
Your doctor of
chiropractic cannot correct pain in the arm and shoulder without
your help. These steps can help:
- Don't sleep on a stack of
pillows, or even one thick pillow. By doing so you can put
stress on the upper back and neck.
- Don't read or watch television
while lying down. This can contort the neck. Always sit upright.
- Don't carry heavy purses or
bags with a shoulder strap. The weight can pull on the neck and
shoulder causing further pain.
- When doing work that requires
you to bend your neck downward or face the same direction for
long periods take frequent breaks.
- Be strict in following good
postural habits when standing, sitting and walking.
- Follow a regular schedule of
appropriate exercises to help strengthen your back and neck.
Your chiropractor can recommend the best exercise program for
you
- Contact your local chiropractor for a
thorough examination and treatment options
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