What Causes Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Pain?
Pain in the upper extremities can develop for many reasons. Symptoms may appear suddenly following an injury or gradually develop from repetitive movements, overuse, or changes involving muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves.
Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive Movements: Repeated lifting, typing, gripping, or performing the same movements throughout the day.
- Muscle Strains: Overstretching or injuring muscles during physical activity, exercise, or everyday tasks.
- Tendon Irritation: Overuse or irritation of tendons surrounding the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.
- Poor Posture: Prolonged computer use and poor shoulder positioning may contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort.
- Sports Injuries: Injuries from throwing, weightlifting, tennis, golf, and other physical activities.
- Joint Restrictions: Reduced joint mobility may contribute to stiffness and discomfort.
- Nerve Compression: Irritation or compression of nerves can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm and hand.
- Work-Related Injuries: Repetitive job duties, heavy lifting, and prolonged computer use can contribute to upper extremity pain.
Identifying potential contributing factors is an important part of determining which treatment options may be appropriate.
Common Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Conditions
At Wheeler Chiropractic, we evaluate patients experiencing a variety of musculoskeletal complaints involving the upper extremities.
Shoulder Pain & Conditions
The shoulder is a complex joint that allows a wide range of movement. Injuries, muscle imbalances, and tendon problems can lead to pain and restricted mobility.
Shoulder Pain & Conditions:
- General shoulder pain and stiffness
- Rotator cuff-related pain
- Shoulder muscle strains
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Shoulder bursitis
- Reduced shoulder range of motion
- Shoulder pain from repetitive activities
- Sports-related shoulder injuries
- Pain extending from the neck into the shoulder
Elbow Pain & Conditions
Elbow pain can make everyday activities such as lifting, gripping, and carrying objects uncomfortable.
Common elbow conditions include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Elbow tendonitis
- Elbow joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle strains
- Repetitive-use injuries
- Sports-related elbow injuries
- Pain with gripping or lifting
Wrist & Hand Pain Conditions
Pain involving the wrist and hands can affect grip strength, coordination, and everyday activities.
Common complaints include:
- Wrist pain and stiffness
- Carpal tunnel-related symptoms
- Hand and finger joint pain
- Tendon irritation
- Trigger finger
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Repetitive-use injuries
- Numbness and tingling in the hands
- Grip weakness and discomfort
Every patient is different. We evaluate your symptoms and determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your condition.
Treatment options available at Wheeler Chiropractic include:
- Chiropractic adjustments (manual and ArthroStim)
- Class IV K-Laser therapy
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Shockwave therapy
- Acupuncture
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Shoulder, Elbow or Hand Pain?
You don't have to wait until discomfort becomes severe before seeking care. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand pain
- Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
- Pain when gripping, twisting, or carrying objects
- Stiffness or reduced joint mobility
- Recurring muscle or tendon discomfort
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers
- Pain that interferes with work or everyday activities
- Discomfort following a sports injury or auto accident