Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain and Chiropractic
A report on the scientific literature
By
William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP
Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
Many people experience pain in the upper back area between the bottom of the neck and the shoulders. There is a very large muscle there called the trapezius muscle. Doctors of chiropractic have long understood the relationship between the nervous system and the rest of the body. In this area, the part of the nervous system that controls the trapezius is actually found in the neck. A research paper was presented that sought to determine whether a chiropractic adjustment to the neck at specific levels of the spine would result in reduced sensitivity to pain in the shoulders. What they found was VERY interesting.
The authors stated, “Our results suggest that a cervical spine manipulation [chiropractic adjustment] directed at the C3 through C4 segment induced changes in pain sensitivity...in the upper trapezius muscle” (Ruiz-Sáez, Fenández-de-las-Peñas, Blanco, Martínez-Segura, & García-Léon, 2007, p. 578). What this means is that stimulation and/or correction of the nervous system in the neck can effect the shoulders! This is important because many of the things that we do on a daily basis increase the demand on the vertebral column found in the neck. This in turn can create problems in the shoulders. While helping to reduce symptoms is important, only doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to look to the CAUSE of the problem, essentially to find the SOURCE of your pain.
More and more research is coming out on a daily basis that shows what chiropractic patients have known for years; CHIROPRACTIC WORKS. If you are suffering from pain in the shoulders, especially the type that increases throughout the day, speak with a doctor of chiropractic today. According to this research article, you will be happy you did!
References:
1. Ruiz-Sáez, M., Fenández-de-las-Peñas, C., Blanco, C. R., Martínez-Segura, R., & García-Léon, R. (2007). Changes in pressure pain sensitivity in latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle after a cervical spine manipulation in pain-free subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(8), 578-583.
A report on the scientific literature
Condition
|
Responded to Chiropractic
|
Research Paper and Date
|
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
|
YES
|
Pribicevic and Pollard 2005
Gleberzon 2005
Pribicevic and Pollard 2004
Smith 2000
Williams and Brockhohn 1994
Shrode 1994
Plezbert and Nicholson 1994
Kampschroder et al 1990
|
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
|
YES
|
Rimbey 2005
Vernon 1982
|
Elbow Pain
|
YES
|
Konczak 2005
Coppieters et al 2004
Annis 2003
Kaufman 2000
Tchoryk 2000
Lawrence and Humphery 1997
Greenly and Bergmann 1990
Woo 1988
|
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
|
YES
|
Valli 2004
Donahue et al 2003
Kazemi 2000
Harmeyer 1995
Ferguson 1995
Polkinghorn 1995
Feeley 1992
|
Separated Shoulder
|
YES
|
Kiner 2004
Stoddard and Johnson 2000
|
Swimmer’s Shoulder
|
YES
|
Kurtz 2004
|
Shoulder Instability
|
YES
|
Moreau and Moreau 2001
|
Rotator Cuff Tear
|
YES
|
Kazemi 1999
Buchberger 1993
|
Shoulder Tendonitis
|
YES
|
Gimblett et al 1999
Nia 1994
|
Scapular Winging
|
YES
|
Horrigan et al 1994
|
Chronic Bursitis
|
YES
|
Hammer 1993
Volstad 1983
|
Wrist Pain
|
YES
|
DeSantis 2004
Russell 2003
McDermott 2003
|
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
|
YES
|
Davis 2004
Brunarski et al 2004
Pringle et al 2003
Brown et al 1999
Petruska 1997
Buchberger et al 1996
Valente and Gibson 1994
Mariano et al 1991
|