Can A Chiropractor Help My Frozen Shoulder?
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Most cases of a frozen shoulder occur after a recent injury, especially after a fracture. During this time your arm is in a cast or a sling, and is immobilized. This causes you shoulder’s joint capsule to thicken with scar tissue subsequently causing shoulder pain and limiting the movement of the affected shoulder.
Several other factors can increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder. It can be affected by your age, sex, and medical history. Certain medical conditions, such as a stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism appear to increase the likelihood of you developing a frozen shoulder.
The initial symptoms of a frozen shoulder typically get gradually worse over 2 – 4 months. The pain is typically worse at night, producing a dull achy pain. The range of motion of the shoulder is painful and limited. The next stage produces a stiffness with the range of motion severely restricted. This stage typically lasts 3 -12 months. The final stage shows the range of motion gradually improving with good and bad days. This stage usually takes 6 – 12 months.
Typically, x-rays are obtained to determine if there are any other medical conditions, and in some cases advanced imaging studies, such as an MRI, are obtained.
Most medical treatment involves using medication to control the inflammation and pain until the condition resolves in up to 3 years. In severe cases steroid injections are prescribed in the shoulder joint. Physical therapy is often prescribed to increase the shoulder motion and strength. In severe cases arthroscopic surgery will be performed to loosen the joint capsule or shoulder manipulation under anesthesia will be prescribed.
At my office we will examine the shoulder and surrounding muscles to determine the actual cause of the problem. We will treat the complaint with manipulation, physical therapy, and a specific exercise program designed for you to resolve the root cause and prevent future injuries. Most patients get relief in a couple weeks instead of a couple of years.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractic Treatment For Paresthesia
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: Recently I have had two separate patients referred in to my office with a diagnosis of paresthesia from their medical doctor. While I was performing my history and examination, I asked them if they knew what paresthesia was. They were not exactly sure, so I told them that it was an abnormal touch sensation, such as burning or prickling, that occurs without an outside stimulus.
Their medical doctors had ruled out any neuropathy that was linked to deficiencies (like with B vitamins), diabetes, infections, and exposure to toxins like alcohol or heavy metals. My job, as a chiropractic doctor, was to find out if it was caused by any nerve compression or injury.
One of the patients had been involved in an auto accident that had caused neck and arm complaints. Specific chiropractic adjustments of the neck and upper extremity were able to remove the irritation of the nerve and alleviate the symptoms. Physical modalities were able to remove the inflammation and the patient was able to have a complete recovery.
The other patient had been sleeping on a hard metal bunk for several months while overseas working. His problem had been gradually getting worse over time until his employer sent him back home. His condition required extensive soft tissue work to break down the muscle scar tissue with IASTM, performing nerve flossing as well as specific stretches and exercises. He was able to recover approximately 90%.
It is important that if you have any sort of change in your arms or legs that involve numbness, tingling, burning or weakness, that you get evaluated by a doctor that has treated these conditions. You can start with your doctor of chiropractic first to see if it is caused by a mechanical complaint or by your medical doctor to see if there is another cause, but do not wait several weeks or months. Waiting can allow the paresthesia to become permanent to some degree.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
