Shoulder Pain

According to a 2015 study published in the medical journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 18 – 26% of all adults suffer from shoulder pain at some time in their lives. This makes shoulder pain one of the most common types of pain you can get. Complete Chiropractic KC in Olathe, KS, lists what you need to know about shoulder pain.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

There are many different causes of shoulder pain, from illnesses like arthritis to sports injuries. One of the most common ways that people hurt their shoulders is from traffic accidents. When your car suffers an impact, the shoulder harness of your seat belt pulls on your shoulder to keep you in place.

Shoulder pain combined with breathing difficulties or a lightness in the chest are often signs of a heart attack. Heart attacks with shoulder pain often happen to women. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Heat and Cold Treatment for Shoulder Pain

One drug-free way to help reduce shoulder pain is with heating pads and cold packs or ice bags. Use whatever you have on hand. Heat is best to use at the beginning of the day, before you are active. Place on your shoulder for 15 or 20 minutes a few times a day, switching between hot and cold. Never place a hot or cold pack directly on your skin, because this can cause a burn.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shoulder Pain

Many times, with rest and home remedies, shoulder pain goes away. However, there are times when you need to have a doctor or chiropractor look at your shoulder.

• If your shoulder swells up
• If your shoulder feels hot
• If the pain is getting worse over time
• If it’s been weeks and the pain still hasn’t gone away
• If your shoulder turns red
• If you are having trouble using your arm or hand

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

A good chiropractor can do many things to treat your shoulder pain. Spinal adjustment helps relax muscles and take pressure off of your nerves. Posture counseling helps you keep positions that lessen strain on your hurting shoulder. Gentle stretching exercises may be recommended for you to do at home.

Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain

The insertion and stimulation of acupuncture needles helps your body release natural painkillers and mood enhancers. It also helps you to relax. Some people even fall asleep during treatments. Chiropractors often offer acupuncture.

Let Us Help

There’s no need to suffer from shoulder pain when there are so many effective treatments available. If you live in the Olathe, KS, area, contact Complete Care Chiropractic KC at (913) 815-8076 to make an appointment today.