Vertebral Blocking
In theory, any part of the spine can be affected by a blockage. If nerve roots are irritated by a vertebral blockage, misinformation is produced, which triggers pain sensations in the brain. Shoulder pain can also be caused by blockages in the cervical spine.This means that there is a malposition or displacement of joints of the spinal column caused by a sudden, unusual load (e.g.
lifting heavy loads) or by long lasting incorrect postures when the spinal column is bent (e.g. long sitting). Often, in addition to the vertebral blockage, there is also a reflex tensing of the back muscles, which can also be felt painfully in the shoulder. Vertebral blockages can release themselves by gentle massage, application of heat and relaxation of the muscles.
If this does not relieve the symptoms, chirotherapeutic treatment can be considered. The blocked joint can be put back in place. However, chirotherapy only makes sense if the tension in the muscles is released at the same time, otherwise the blocked vertebrae can come back.
A slipped disc in the cervical spine can also become noticeable by the symptom shoulder pain. In a herniated disc, part of the disc protrudes into the spinal canal and may press on the spinal cord or nerve roots emanating from it. A herniated disc can occur without external cause, but often an overload of already damaged discs is the cause of the herniation (disc prolapse).
Typically, herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine and cause back pain that can radiate into the legs. However, a herniated disc can also occur in the area of the cervical spine (cervical spine) and cause severe pain in the shoulder area due to compression of the nerve roots. It is not advisable to stay in bed and spare the shoulder in the case of such a herniated disc.
Instead, the therapy of shoulder pain consists of a drug-based pain therapy and subsequent physiotherapeutic exercise therapy. Also heat therapy, Massagen and electrical therapy represent treatment possibilities. A surgical treatment of a herniated disc of the cervical spine is usually only indicated if the pain is no longer controllable on an outpatient basis or if neurological deficits occur.
To prevent a herniated disc, consistent muscle building of the back and shoulder muscles is advisable. Through gymnastic exercises or back-friendly sports (e.g. swimming, dancing, running, cycling) the back muscles can be strengthened and the pain alleviated. In addition, the intervertebral discs experience changing pressure loads during these sports, which is important for the supply of the intervertebral discs with nutrients.
An ergonomically correct workplace is also an important measure to prevent a slipped disc. Static sitting positions should be avoided and attention should be paid to changing pressure loads (e.g. standing, walking, sitting etc. ).
