Neck, shoulder and arm pain and chiropractic

Neck, shoulder and arm pain is a common complaint and sometimes on can last a while walking around without knowing the cause. Functioning in everyday life can be difficult and often pain and discomfort is the cause of lack of sleep.

Complaints that arise from the neck, shoulder and arm.

• Tingling or numbness in arms and hands.
• Dizziness
• RSI (mouse arm)
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Tennis arm
• Wave arm

Function of the cervical vertebrae
The cervical vertebrae are the upper vertebrae of the spine. They are extremely flexible. An intervertebral disc lies between two successive vertebrae. This creates the vertebrae flexible with respect to each other and also serves as a shock absorber. Also the structure of the vertebrae is decisive for this mobility. This allows the head to move forward, back and sideways bow. The ability to bend the head is due to the numerous bands and muscles surrounding the cervical vertebrae that make the neck stable and mobile. The cervical vertebrae from together both sides openings from which nerve roots come. Those nerve roots arise in the spinal cord, which is directly connected to the brain. These nerves either “ lines of communication in the body “ transmit impulses to tissues, muscles and organs. An injury in the cervical vertebrae can transfer these impulses to the brain and visa versa. In the worst case, the entire functioning of the spine and the nerves are disturbed.

Causes of neck, shoulder and arm pain

The cause of pain in the neck, shoulder and arm is often a irritated nerve. This nerve runs through the cervical vertebrae, over the shoulder to the arm. We make a distinction between gradual and sudden causes:

Gradually
Incorrect posture, for example due to the same posture for hours on end at the computer
Psyhological and physical tensions that make the muscles cramp and put a lot of pressure  on them, the vertebrae and neck nerves are exercised
Osteoarthritis or wear from the vertebrae at which these calcify and the intervertebral discs narrow.

Suddenly
Forcing the spine  by a sudden, strong tug on the neck, heavy lifting, a fall and a bad (sleeping) posture or by a twisting or pulling movement of the arm
Car accident causing the ‘ whiplash effect’

Symptoms

The pain usually starts with a stiff feeling on one side of the neck. The intensity of the pain proceeds in a wave motion that depends on the severity of the problem. That wave motion will eventually turn into a constant pain that can reach the shoulder and radiate to the arm.

Pain in the neck, shoulder and arm is similar to toothache and can accompany it with sharp shoots of pain. The arm and fingers may tingle and feel numb like this “ to sleep”. As the complaint worsens, the arm and fingers will lose strength, because of this it becomes difficult to perform daily activities.

Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis usually results from an overload of the shoulder joint. Through this overload comes to the “bursa” (fluid pouch with the spread of the joint) under heavy pressure.  This causes it to become irritated and to ignite. This causes a lot of pain in the shoulder and therefore restricts the freedom of movement of the shoulder joint.

Frozen shoulder
As the name implies, this is a condition involving the freedom of movement of the shoulder is very limited. For example, the patient has a lot of trouble putting on his coat. A frozen shoulder is caused by long-term overloading of the shoulder joint. This makes the joint irritated. In response, the muscle groups around the shoulder and its movement is limited. If the muscle cramps last too long, can shorten the muscle groups so that normal movement of the shoulder no longer is possible. Read more about frozen shoulder here.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a medicine that has been around for more than 100 years. Treatment focuses on disorders in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the relationship with the nervous system. a chiropractor checks the spine for blockages. Through a thorough investigation and targeted treatment, locates and corrects these blockages, because of this the flow of nerves is restored and the body can heal itself again.

The first visit

• Intake                        
  A patient questionnaire is filled in followed by a discussion with the chiropractor in order to establish a thorough case history.
• Examination              
  Chiropractic tests
  Neurological test
  Orthopaedic test
• X-ray, MRI, IDXA          
  Whichever is indicated necessary
• Diagnosis                       
  Given by the Chiropractor
• Treatment                     
  Nearly always already on the first visit

Treating neck complaints / the chiropractic treatment

With his specialist knowledge and skills, the chiropractor examines the spine and the nervous system to locate unnatural movements and blockages. That’s how he comes to know the cause of the deviation. Chiropractic treatment is for pain in the neck, shoulder and arm and can usually  be easily remedied. With corrective treatments further damage to the intervertebral discs and nerves can be prevented. Chiropractic treatments aim to improve incorrect posture, to increase spinal mobility and improve the function on the irritated nerves. This is done by putting pressure on the joint with the hands. This restores freedom of movement of the joint and reduces pain. The chiropractor can advise neck exercises to optimize and support freedom of movement.

Bursitis is usually the cause of an acute condition. Here is often used a cold compression on the shoulder joint to counteract the inflammatory process. By chiropractic corrections, the functionality of the joint is restored.

When treating a frozen shoulder, the chiropractor treats the specific one muscle groups of the shoulder. Stretching exercises can be advised as support to make the muscle groups long again and restore freedom of movement. If the desired treatment outcome has been achieved, the chiropractor will recommend that you return regularly for control treatments. Proper maintenance of the spine reduces the chances of repetition and the patient maintains optimal freedom of movement.

Avoid pain

• Never sleep on the stomach, the neck muscles and cervical vertebrae then come under   great pressure.
• Do not sleep on a thick pillow. Prefer to use an orthopedic neck pillow.
• Do not stand and sag. This increases tension on the neck and shoulders.
• Never watch Television lying down, reading in a lying position is also not recommended.
• Pause regularly and change your posture.
• Do not carry a heavy shoulder bag, prefer to spread the weight over both arms.

Relieve pain

• Avoid stress
• Do neck exercises daily to optimize  mobility
• In acute pain, put a cold compress on the neck. You do this several times (not longer than 10 minutes) at intervals of at least 2 hours.

Finally

Consult a chiropractor regularly for optimal control of the spine.

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