Shoulder, Arm & Hand Problems. 

"Frozen" Shoulder...Problems with the neck, shoulder and arm are often call different things by patients: neuralgia, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, fibrositis, sprained, strained or sore muscles or "poor circulation." Some people may blame their shoulder ( or other joint) problems on : old age" even though their other shoulder, which doesn't have any problems, is just as old.

The brachial plexus is made up of nerves which come out of the middle and lower neck and upper back. After they interconnect to form the brachial plexus, they branch off to supply different areas, especially the shoulders, arms, elbow, wrists, hand and fingers. The nerves can be damaged in a number of ways, falling, sports injuries, auto accidents ( this is a major cause), arthritis, being twisted, pulled or shaken; or even sleeping in an awkward position as well as many other stresses and strains of daily living.

Depending on which nerves may be damaged, different symptoms and problems may be experienced. Neck pain or neck stiffness may be one to the first signs of brachial plexus dames,. This could start radiating to the shoulder, down the arms and into the wrists, hands and fingers. Sometimes they may be just pain in the extremity and not in the neck. A sure sign of nerve damage is when there is numbness. "Pins and Needles" of the fingers or other areas can be a sign of brachial plexus problems while weakness of the involved parts may also occur.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is now so common it's been called the "Occupational Disease of the 1990's." Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the hand, fingers and wrist; pain so intense that many people are awaken from their sleep because of it. You may also have similar symptoms in the upper arm, elbow, shoulder or neck. More and more people are seeking chiropractic care as an alternative to surgery or just plain "living with it".

Chiropractic is devoted to correcting abnormal spinal structural conditions called vertebral subluxations which causes abnormal spine and joint motion and nervous system stressing The nervous system is what coordinates and organizes your body and when it is function with subluxations you are more organized, more balanced and more "whole".

Call Dr. Mel Derickson D.C. with any other questions you may have. 937-426-9225