Tendonitis

A tendon is a cord that connects muscle to bone or other tissue. Most tendonitis is the result of a wearing process that takes place over a period of years, much like the wearing process on the sole of a shoe.

 

Generally tendonitis is one of several types:

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• Acute tendonitis following overuse from activities such as excessive ball throwing and other sports or work related activities.

• Chronic tendonitis resulting from degenerative disease or repetitive wear and tear due to age.

• The splitting and tearing of tendons that may result from acute injury or degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age.

• Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common of these disorders. The rotator cuff is the arrangement of muscles and their tendons, which provides shoulder motion and stability.

 
Bursitis

Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of a bursa, a condition known as bursitis. Bursas are fluid filled sacs located around the joint that lessen the friction caused by movement of the shoulder. Bursitis often occurs in with rotator cuff tendonitis. Sometimes the many tissues in the shoulder become inflamed and painful, limiting the use of the shoulder. The joint may stiffen as a result, a condition called a "frozen shoulder." Fortunately, with appropriate care, this condition will resolve.

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Injury/Instability

Sometimes the bones in one of the shoulder joints move (or, in an injury, are forced) out of their normal position. This condition, instability, can result in dislocation of one of the joints in the shoulder. Recurring dislocations, which may be partial or complete, cause pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. When you lift your arm over your head, the shoulder may feel as if it is slipping out of place or an uncomfortable, unusual feeling that some people refer to as having a "dead" arm.
 
Arthritis

Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, but generally it involves wear and tear changes with inflammation of the joint, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. Arthritis may be related to sports or work injuries.
 
Often people will avoid shoulder movements to try to lessen the pain from these conditions. This sometimes leads to a tightening or stiffening of the soft tissue parts of the joint, resulting in a painful restriction of motion.
 

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Postponing treatment or ignoring the symptoms can lead to chronic and persistent discomfort, more acute pain, deteriorating physical condition and problems that are harder to address. Finding and treating the underlying cause is a better option. Contact Synergy Chiropractic Winfield, today, to schedule an appointment!