Extremity Pain: Shoulder, Arm and Wrist/Hand

Shoulder pain is intimately related to postural faults in the upper back and nearly always requires adjustments, postural correction exercises and strengthening exercises. Specifically frozen shoulder not only involves the shoulder/upper back but sometimes has its origin in imbalance in the lower back/pelvis. We have had very good results with frozen shoulders of several types. In particular, the latissimus dorsi, which has its origin in the lower back but which is a shoulder muscle is an example of when a lower back problem (unlevel pelvis) can affect the shoulder. Therefore, the entire structure needs to be evaluated, a so-called “holistic” or “whole body” approach in contrast to a “reductionist” approach often the focus of a traditional medicine.

As noted elsewhere a thorough history and examination is performed to identify subluxations that need correction. Posture can be critical to shoulder problems. A head forward posture or slouch places the humerus (upper arm bone) in the incorrect position for movement. The result is uneven wear, abnormal muscle function and inhibition of normal nervous system response.

The process for resolving shoulder problems may include: 1) adjustments of subluxations in the shoulder but also the neck, mid-back and many times the lower back (see Treatment Method below); 2) postural changes to reduce chronic head forward position; 3) exercises to strengthen the shoulder/arm muscles particularly the rotator cuff.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that plagues many and is particularly prevalent among “knowledge workers” who spend a lot of time on the computer. Whereas there can be compression of the nerves and tendons travelling through the wrist the problem in some cases begins in the shoulder. Deviation of the scapula causes a chain reaction from the humerus through the elbow and into the wrist. Carpal tunnel sufferers should be evaluated for spinal and extremity subluxations , particularly before contemplating surgical correction.

Treatment Method 

Chiropractic subluxations are corrected utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique®. Dr. Floyd Miñana is Advanced Proficiency Certified in Activator Technique. Activator utilizes an precision instrument to move the bony segment (“the adjustment”) and has numerous research studies proving its efficacy. The Activator instrument lends itself well to adjustment of the upper extremities since it is very specific and does not require manual thrust.

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