Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
May 24, 2021 -- Posted by :Shoulder pain is a VERY common problem, especially among individuals over 40 years old. Experts estimate that between 16-30% of the population has experienced shoulder pain in the last month, with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) being one of the most likely diagnoses made by clinicians.
Why is SIS so common? The short answer is because the ball and socket part of the shoulder joint is shallow to allows for a wide range of motion but at a cost of reduced stability. Factors that can increase one’s risk for SIS include increasing age, overhead work, repetitive microtrauma, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), type III acromion shape (a hooked-shaped “roof” over the ball and socket joint), spurs off the acromioclavicular joint, and/or front part of the acromion (the roof of the joint), and ligaments becoming calcified.
These risk factors can cause wear-and-tear of the rotator cuff muscle tendon, which can lead to a muscle tendon rupture (partial or complete) over time. In turn, this results in a high position of the humeral head (the ball part of the joint), which when it shifts upwards, causes pinching of the subacromial bursa, especially when the arm is raised, resulting in bursitis. Lying on the affected shoulder is often uncomfortable and a common complaint of SIS. In fact, finding ANY comfortable position in bed can be a challenge! Overhead work is often prohibited due to pain.
The diagnosis of SIS is made using a combination of a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging studies (x-ray, MRI, CT, diagnostic ultrasound). Imaging facilitates the differential diagnosis, which includes spurs, tears, assessing the acromion shape, and more.
Interestingly, a 2019 review of previously published studies concluded that surgery has little benefit for impingement (SIS) in middle-aged patients. Instead, it’s advised that patients seek a multi-modal, non-surgical treatment approach often utilized by doctors of chiropractic that may include:
- Patient education with respect to the cause of their pain, the realization that progress may be gradual and take three to six months or longer, and the importance of performing a home exercise program.
- Exercises to reduce the high position humeral head (ball), regain range of motion without impingement, strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles, restore scapular and clavicular function and stability, and reduce pain to regain function.
- Manual therapies (manipulation and mobilization) to the shoulder’s multiple joints.
- Physical therapy modalities (ice, electrical stim, ultrasound, laser, pulsed magnetic field) to facilitate healing and reduce pain and inflammation.
So, if you are experiencing shoulder pain and you type in chiropractor near me, pain management near me, and you find that Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up. You may wonder, what is wrong with my shoulder? Do I have a muscle strain in the shoulder muscles? If it is a strained muscle, why is it getting worse instead of better? Perhaps, you have been taken strong chemicals and the pain persists as well? Do I have tendonitis? Is it a rotator cuff or rotator cup problem? Pickleball, golf, and tennis are common sports to cause shoulder pain. Some try shoulder workouts with the shoulder muscles to no avail. We have had some applying chemical gel to the affected area with temporary relief at best. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional before it becomes a frozen shoulder. Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or first Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.