The shoulder and hip joints are two of the most mobile and frequently used joints in the body. They are also a frequent site of injury and pain for many people we see in our clinic. From overuse to sports injuries, the causes are many. Moreover, the results range from slight discomfort to complete lack of mobility. In this post, we explain some of the most common issues that lead to arm and leg pain. Then we talk about how chiropractic adjustments can help to reverse them.
Causes of arm and leg pain
The actual cause of arm or leg pain can be difficult to self-diagnose. If you had an obvious injury, such as stressing a joint, dislocating a shoulder, or pinching a nerve, the source of your immediate pain may be obvious. But sometimes the cause isn’t always so obvious. In many cases, pain can develop slowly over time, so slowly you don’t really notice it until it becomes unbearable. Pain can also become chronic if you have a previous injury that did not receive proper treatment.
There are a number of different possible sources for the pain including:
- Bursitis
- Arthritis and Tendinitis
- Misalignments in the neck and lower back
That third one might seem a bit strange. But when you look at how the parts of the body connect, it makes perfect sense. If the spaces where the nerves leave the spine become narrowed because the vertebrae or discs are out of position, the nerve can become irritated. That nerve doesn’t just exist in that one place; it travels from the neck to the spine, all the way down to the tips of your fingers! Thus, injuries to the vertebrae in the spine can create the sensation of pain anywhere along the length of your arms and legs. The pain patterns associated with sciatica, which run from the hip all the way to the foot, are a good example of how this works.
Treating pain with chiropractics
Due to the complexity of the joints and the vast number of possible causes of your leg or arm pain, it is important to have a professional evaluation to determine the source. A thorough review of your medical history, a physical exam, and advanced imaging techniques, all help a chiropractor get a comprehensive idea of what might be the root cause of your pain.
Using non-invasive and carefully applied adjustments, chiropractors assist the body in gently re-positioning the vertebrae which can provide both instant and long term relief.
Read More: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Chiropractic Visit