Shoulder Pain
BACKGROUND
Roger, a sixty three year old retired firefighter, complained of right shoulder pain. Roger stated that for the past sixteen years he was not able to throw a ball overhand due to pain and that with each passing year he was gradually losing more of his overall range of motion.
Roger was always a hard worker and did not dwell on any aches and pains he may have had, opting instead to ignore them or treat them with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
LIFESTYLE
Moderate exercise including: walking, hiking and occasional weight lifting; average diet: plenty of processed foods, frequent soda consumption and low water intake.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Neck pain and stiffness, Insomnia.
FINDINGS
An x-ray of Roger’s neck showed mild to moderate degeneration at the lower levels of his cervical spine. Also, Roger’s range of motion in his right arm was consistent with what is commonly called a, “Frozen Shoulder” or adhesive capsulitis. Misalignments in the cranial bones, neck, upper spine and right shoulder joint were present as well.
TREATMENT
Structural: Consistent adjustments of the cranial bones, shoulder and neck. Muscle rebalancing to promote proper range of motion and to prevent recurrent misalignments.
Chemical: Proteolytic enzymes to promote inflammation reduction and tissue repair, anti-oxidants to combat free-radicals, essential fatty acids and a multiple vitamin.
Lifestyle: Several changes in diet were necessary, including the reduction and eventual elimination of all soda products and refined sugars.
RESULTS
Because of the extensive degeneration in his neck, Roger was given a plan consisting of bi-weekly office visits for six weeks, with a gradual reduction in treatments thereafter. Roger began to experience noticeable pain relief and an increased range of motion by the fourth visit. At the end of two months, Roger stated that he was able to throw a ball with his grandson without pain. He also was sleeping much better.
COMMENTS
The adjustments of the neck were critical to Roger’s recovery. The nerves that help the shoulder function properly, all come out of holes on the sides of the cervical vertebrae called foramen. Creating more room for the nerves by properly aligning the affected vertebrae, allows for better communication between the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and the brain itself – the critical component.
Roger’s case is a good example of the remarkable ability of the human body to perform at a high level despite significant damage or degeneration. It is not usually true to assume that a long standing injury is hopeless or that “It will never get better.” Perhaps a different approach is appropriate.
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