Upper Body Pain

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3. Upper Body Pain

Often upper body pain can originate form the neck and spine.

There can be many causes of pain and decreased mobility in the upper extremities, but most can be attributed to overuse, degeneration or injury.  Many times the problems can originate in the neck and spine, and very often they are rooted in daily activities or things we enjoy—such as:

• Repetitive motions from work (grip and twist)
• Computer work
• Repetitive motions from recreation (swinging a racket or club)
• Gardening
• Athletic training

 

From big muscle movement to smaller scale work, from rotator cuff and tennis elbow concerns to carpal tunnel in the wrists—pain can have a major impact on your ability to do your job and/or enjoy your free time.  Pain is an indication of trauma to an area.  Here are some examples of upper body pain you can experience when you are in need of chiropractic care:

• Throbbing
• Numbness
• Tingling and burning
• Pain radiating from one area to another
• Muscle tightness
• Joint pain:  shoulder, elbows and wrists

Through a thorough examination, treatment can be determined and you can get back to your daily activities.

Determining the best course of treatment will follow a thorough examination based on the discomfort you are experiencing.  Your issues and symptoms are unique to you.  The scope of the evaluation can vary greatly and several approaches are taken to fully understand your pain.  They may include:

• A detailed health history is obtained.  This will assist in determining if your issue may have ties to specific activities.
• Vital signs are checked and a general examination is performed.
• Comprehensive evaluations of the neck, upper back and upper extremities are conducted.
• Neurological exam of the reflexes, nerve sensation and muscle strength will be done to evaluate involvement of different body systems and rule out secondary causes.
• Orthopedic testing helps to pinpoint the origin of the pain and the extent of the problem.
• X-rays or MRI’s may be needed if you have a complex case.

 

Get help, relieve the pain caused by underlying causes.

Following a diagnosis, the creation of a multi-faceted treatment protocol will be designed with your input.  A combined effort of clinical treatments and “homework” could include:

• Chiropractic adjustment
• Graston Technique
• Muscle and soft tissue work
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electric muscle stimulation
• Hot packs

 

Any or all methods can all be utilized in your recovery.  A realistic conversation with you will always determine the plan moving forward.  Also, as you begin to feel better, your treatment plan will be reevaluated and customized—this flexible approach is important, because it takes into account how your body is responding to the treatments.

Many factors play a role in a quick recovery, but your understanding of what changes can be made at home and/or work, will make an invaluable contribution to your continued, healthier self.  Educating you, about how to better take care of yourself when you are away from the clinic, is an important difference in Dr. Christie’s approach.  For upper body pain treatment contact Dr. Christie

Home Tip:

If a joint feels inflamed, icing the entire joint will reduce the pain and decrease inflammation. The stages of icing are cold, burning, aching and numbness (CBAN). It’s important to ice until you reach the point of numbness, about 15 minutes.