Sunday, August 7, 2011

scapula pain

Painful shoulder problems are one of the most common reasons for chiropractic visits for musculoskeletal symptoms. The shoulder joint is the region of the body where the humerus attaches to the scapula, and the supporting muscles around the joint. The shoulder has the most movement of the major joints in the body. On the flipside, because of this large range of motion, it is relatively unstable and easily subject to injury. The head of the humerus (ball) is larger than the socket of the shoulder joint that holds it. To stabilise the shoulder joint, the muscles, tendons and ligaments anchor the bones of the joint together. Overuse injuries, degenerative changes and lack of use or movement can all contribute to tissue breakdown, loss of function and disruption to the supporting musculature.
The shoulder is comprised of three osseous structures: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone) as well as the supporting musculature, ligaments and tendons. The articulations between the bones of the shoulder make up the shoulder joints. The muscle groups and tendons that stabilise the shoulder are called the "rotator cuff." These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis, they hold the humerus (ball) in the glenoid fossa (socket).
There are many types of shoulder conditions, for the purposes of this article, are aim is to give a broad overview of three different types and how chiropractic care may improve the health and function of the shoulder region.
Some indications that you may be experiencing a shoulder problem or shoulder pain and need further examination include: the inability to carry objects or use your arm without pain, pain while sleeping or at rest, pain that is ongoing and lasts more than a few days, unable to lift your arm, swelling or bruising around the shoulder area, redness, joint size changes or other obvious unusual changes to the shoulder area. The pain can be local and just in and around the shoulder joint, or it may be referred and going down the arm and possibly into the hand, or into the middle back and lower neck area. Sometimes gallbladder, liver or heart disease, or cervical spine disease can all cause referred pain into the shoulder through the various nerve pathways. However, shoulder blade pain or scapula pain have a higher probability of the problem coming from the cervical spine.
A comprehensive evaluation should include a personal history, a complete physical examination, including orthopedic and neurological tests, and if required xrays and possibly advanced imaging to determine the exact cause of the pain. If there is a tear, it most likely could be in one of the tendons of the rotator cuff, occasionally a tear may occur in one of the rotator cuff muscles. The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly torn rotator cuff tendon. The orthopedic tests can help determine or isolate which tendon or tendons and muscles (in a severe injury) may be injured.
Some of the shoulder pain conditions that I see in my office are arthritis, referred pain second to cervical disc degeneration and frozen shoulder. On rare occasion, shoulder pain may be caused by some form of pathology or tumour inside the body.
Arthritis
Arthritic shoulder pain is not as common as the other types. It is usually progressive and develops slowly over time. The shoulder joint area may have tenderness, swelling and stiffness when aggravated. The shoulder joint can be affected by both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Degeneration in the joint, or "wear and tear," is a progressive wearing away of the cartilage on the boney surfaces of the joint, exposing bare bone. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a systemic condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. This inflammation can, over time, invade and destroy the cartilage and bone. Gentle chiropractic mobilisation of the shoulder and spine, accompanied with stretching and strengthening of the surrounding muscles, may help with the inflammation and improve function of the shoulder joint. Maintaining strength in the shoulder muscles may prevent further atrophy, and possibly slow down any further degenerative changes. In severe cases joint replacement surgery may be an option. Diet modifications and nutritional supplementation may also be beneficial.
Neck Pain or Degeneration
Shoulder pain can happen as a result of degeneration or injury in the cervical or thoracic spine. Degenerative discs narrow the joint space between two vertebra, causing increased irritation and pinching on the nerves in the neck or middle back region. Those nerves leave the neck or upper back area and go into the shoulders and arms, or provide the nerve supply to muscles that are around the shoulder girdle. This type of damage can cause referred pain into the shoulder area. Sometimes shoulder pain is actually due to problems in your neck or a mixture of several different problems. Neck pain as a result degenerative change is relatively common. The pain may radiate, or spread, into the shoulder blade or down the arm. Patients may have an arm or shoulder complaint, such as pain or weakness, as the result of nerve root compression. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one type of advanced imaging to determine if the discs are injured or being encroached upon. Symptoms may include neck pain, pain around the back of the shoulder blades, arm complaints such as pain, numbness, or weakness, and rarely, difficulty with hand dexterity or walking. Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease provides good to excellent results in over 75% of patients. A multi-disciplinary approach includes: Chiropractic adjustments which can be useful in decreasing muscle spasms and improving mobility. Heat, and exercise may also have benefit in improving function and stabilising the degenerative area. In severe cases surgery may be an option.
Frozen Shoulder
The proper term for Frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis. The shoulder capsule, and the connective tissue around the shoulder joint, inflame and become very stiff. The tissues then start to grow together forming abnormal tissue bands called adhesions. These adhesions cause a reduced range of motion or movement and chronic pain. The pain is often felt deep in the shoulder joint and may be worse at night. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still not certain. It can be very painful and disabling and patients are sometimes slow to recover. Chiropractic may have a few applications when it comes to frozen shoulder. It may be preventative, by maintaining mobility in the joint, as well as lifestyle modifications with a healthy diet and exercise, that may decrease the likelihood of frozen shoulder occurring. Certain diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can have an effect on joint mobility as they progress. If you are able to keep moving well, perhaps you will age well also. Chiropractic may help to stimulate physical health and may offset the common ailments that are often associated with aging. For treatment, chiropractors generally do not use anesthetics in treating frozen shoulder. Instead they employ a variety of techniques to manage the pain, and to restore range of motion and function in the shoulder. Chiropractors often use heat and cold to relieve pain and gentle <a href="http://winged-scapula3.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chiropractic</a> mobilisation of the shoulder and spine, accompanied with stretching and strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder.
This is a very general overview of three types of shoulder pain. Treatment varies from person to person and can involve any of the following: chiropractic, massage therapy and surgery in severe cases. Response to treatment and the length of time it can take, varies from person to person, depending on the level of damage. Chiropractic can be a safe, gentle and effective approach to helping with shoulder pain conditions. As with any type of health problem it is recommended to see your health care professional for a further in depth assessment and examination for a more accurate individual treatment recommendation.
For more interesting reading check out
<a href="http://winged-scapula3.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Types of Chiropractic Care</a><br class="clear">

Monday, February 14, 2011

Scapula pain

Scapula Pain

Scapula pain are minor muscle strains that occur because of muscle tightness or slight muscle imbalances. Fortunately, these are easily treated with simple exercises to mobilize the scapula and strengthen the major muscles that hold it in place.
Back pain is most of the time caused by three muscle, or muscle groups; the quadratus lumborum, the piriformis located in the gluts, and the paraspinals, which are the muscle which ar elocated on both sides of the spine. Many times a few massage session can be enough to treat the pain. Preliminary examinations may also require the thoracic spine, neck and the upper back. In case that the doctor is not sure of the diagnostic, he may require a mri scan to determine the cause of the scapular pain.
The most common treatments of the scapular pain are the painkillers, anti-inflammation medication, manipulation of neck or thoracic spine, acupuncture, physical therapy, physiotherapy and others.Many times a few massage session can be enough to treat the pain. A weekly massage is an amazing way to prevent disease and reduce your stress level, so that you are less likely to sufer pain and injury.
Doing exercices at least three times a week, just a few minutes can be enough can go a long way to strengthen these important muscles for pain prevention. The exercice consists in bending down with or without weights touching your feet, and back up.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Winged scapula exercise

Back Toning Exercise
By Jennifer Adolfs Jennifer Adolfs Level: Platinum Jennifer Adolfs is an ACE Certified

Advanced Fitness Specialist and Certified Mat and Equipment Pilates Instructor. She

specializes in working with people who have musculoskeletal ...

Who doesn't want a toned, attractive back? Especially when the summer months loom and you

are unenthusiastically facing swimsuit season, or during the holiday season as you eye that

glittery, back-baring party dress.

A well-developed upper back gives you that appealing V-shape, which makes your waist and

hips look slimmer. (Remember those big shoulder pads from the 80's-there was actually some

logic behind that fashion faux pas.) And a strong back makes good posture possible.

Your mom was right: When you stand up straight, you look 10 pounds lighter.

Give yourself a hug! Feel the winged bones that stick out of your back? These bones are your

shoulder blades, or scapula. These bones, along with a few muscles groups, keep the spine

erect and stabilize the shoulder girdle.

Try this: Bring your shoulder blades together. Do you feel you chest open as well? See how

that improves your posture as well as your general sense of well-being?

The following exercises strengthen the muscles that stabilize the scapula: the muscles

between your shoulder blades (the rhomboids), the muscles that depress your shoulder blades

(the trapezius) and the muscles that hold it in place (the serratus anterior.)

So pick out a Back Toning Exercise (or three or four), give it a try, and you're well on

your way to a strong, healthy and sexy back.

Back Toning Exercise #1 - The Dart

Position:

Lay on your stomach with your forehead on a towel and arms at your sides, palms face down.

Movement:

"Zip up" your abdominal muscles like you've just put on a tight pair of jeans and hollow out

your pelvis. Lift your chest and head off the mat, keeping your nose
pointed down and raising your hands up, reaching for the end of the mat and
rotating your thumbs out and up. Work up to 4 repetitions trying to hold longer each time,

up to 20 seconds.

Tips:

Keep looking down and reaching out through the crown of your head. Abs stay zipped up as you

feel your shoulders slide down your back.

Back Toning Exercise #2 - Bird Dog

Position:

Kneel on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.

Be sure your elbows are not locked.

Movement:

As you breathe out, engage your abdominals and extend your right arm and your left leg. Try

to hold them level at shoulder and hip height without losing your balance or letting your

back arch. Breathe in to return to start position. Alternate 4-6 repetitions on both sides.

Tips:

Keep the trunk as still and unmoving as you can. Lengthen out from your
tailbone to the crown of your head. Draw your belly button in, but do not round your spine.

To keep tension out of your upper body, think of keeping your chest open and neck long.

Back Toning Exercise #3 - Spine Twist

Position:

Sit tall on the mat with your legs extended long in front. Your heels and hips are glued

together and your feet flexed. Arms extend out to the sides as you reach out through your

fingertips.

Movement:

Inhale to lift up out of your hips. Exhale and rotate from the waist to turn your upper

body, as if you're trying to see your wrist, pulsing two times as if to wring the air out of

your lungs. Inhale to return to the center and then exhale before repeating movement to

twist the other way. Do three to five sets.

Modifications:

If you have tight hamstrings or less-than-perfect posture, you can sit on a small cushion or

rolled mat, which will enable you to sit up tall even with your legs straightened out in

front of you. Another variation is to do the Spine Twist while sitting on an exercise ball

with knees bent, feet parallel and just wider than hip distance apart.

Tips:

As you rotate the spine, focus on cementing the body from the hips down, to avoid shifting

your hips. Stay anchored from the base of your spine to the very top of your head. Grow your

fingertips long from your arms as you twist. Think heavy on the tush, as if you are anchored

in cement from the hips on down. Head follows hand. Think tall, taller, tallest!

Back Toning Exercise #4 - Swimming

Position:

Lie on your stomach with your arms stretched out overhead and your legs extended long behind

you. Draw your shoulder blades down your back to stabilize your shoulders. Think heavy in

the torso as you scoop your belly button to the spine.

Movement:

Hover your limbs slightly off the mat, along with your chest and head. Inhale for five beats

as you quickly alternate your arms and legs as if you are swimming, lifting the torso a

little. Exhale for five beats and then inhale for five beats as you lift opposite arms and

legs in a flutter kick style.

Modification:

Do the above movement slowly, without fluttering. Lift your right leg off the mat and also

your left arm. Hold and then reverse limbs. Another modification is to keep your chest and

head lower.

Tips:

Keep your gaze down on the mat with the back of your neck long. Be sure your hips do not

rock side to side as you lower and lift your limbs. Think: "Stable trunk, arms and legs move

around the trunk." Legs lengthen out of your hips.

Time to Rest! The Shell or Child's Pose Position

Position:

Kneel on all fours.

Movement:

Leaving your hands in the same position, lower your bottom backward onto your heels. Lower

your upper body until your forehead is resting on the floor and stretch your hands in front

of you as far as you can. This should feel REALLY good.

Tips:

Try this exercise between the back strengthening exercises to stretch your back, and also at

the end of the session.


Jennifer Adolfs is an ACE Certified Advanced Fitness Specialist and Certified Mat and

Equipment Pilates Instructor. She specializes in working with people who have

musculoskeletal issues, specifically back and joint conditions. Check out the many articles

and her ebooks about how Pilates-based exercises can help you strengthen and tone your back

at: http://www.pilates-back-joint-exercise.com/pilates-ebook.html

Monday, January 24, 2011

Winged Scapula

Winged scapula are advised to accordingly seek some form of further medical diagnosis, consultation and treatment, as can be directed toward the end of either defeating or greatly reducing the effects of the condition. Winged scapula are a little more complicated. It's usually related to poor scapular control- you can have the strongest, healthiest rotator cuffs in the world but if you can't control your scapula you. Winged scapula are due to a weak serratus anterior, which as well as protacting the scapula, also stabilizes the scapula by holding it against the rib cage.
Winged scapula are a protrusion of the shoulder blade, pain and limited movement in the shoulder, difficulty lifting objects and pain in the shoulder blade when sitting in a chair or pressing against a wall. The causes of winged scapula are certain types of viral illnesses and blunt trauma to the shoulder. Winged scapula are many and varied although in general it results from weakened or inhibited muscles in the surrounding area. Although there are a number of different exercises to help strengthen muscles which may cause the problem in some cases surgery is required.
Winged scapula are very indicative of muscular dystrophy.
Many doctors are extremely inexperienced with muscular dystrophy so it doesn't often come to their minds when trying to diagnose. If you want to get him checked for it they can do a simple blood test where they will look at the dna. The "dystrophin" gene (what's affected in people with md) is the the biggest one there is making it most susceptible to damage. In this regard, physical therapy is sometimes ordered for patients in whom thoracic malfunctioning has caused the development of a winged scapula. Sprained thoracic ligaments is a condition that can occur with an injury to the mid-back area. This is quite painful in the scapula (shoulder blade) and the ribs. Massage therapy Love at First Flightmay be prescribed to help alleviate the pain associated with sprained thoracic ligaments.