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 a malposition or displacement of joints in the spinal column occurs, caused by a sudden, unusual load (e.g. lifting heavy loads) or by long-lasting malpositions caused by curvatures of the spinal column (e.g. prolonged 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 be released by themselves through 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 then 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.

Bursitis subacromialis

In subacromial bursitis, the bursa is located between the acromioclavicular joint and the tendon of the upper bone muscle (supraspinatus muscle, an important part of the rotator cuff). This bursa is a “displacement layer” between muscle and bone. If an inflammatory change occurs in this bursa (bursitis subacromialis), this sliding layer becomes sticky and the tendon of the muscle becomes thinner.

As the disease progresses, the upper bone muscle usually tears (rotator cuff rupture), resulting in chronic pain that severely restricts the shoulder’s ability to move. The diagnosis of subacromial bursitis can usually be made easily. For this purpose, detailed information about the patient’s medical history (anamnesis) and a physical examination are performed.

As a rule, subacromial bursitis causes pain in the shoulder joint when the arm is moved (abducted) between 80 and 120 degrees to the side of the body.In addition, imaging examinations such as ultrasound (sonography), magnetic resonance tomography or x-rays can provide information about the extent of the bursitis. The treatment of bursitis acromialis initially consists of avoiding further strain and protecting the shoulder joint. Physiotherapeutic exercises and pain-relieving medication can also be helpful. In many cases, an injection of cortisone into the subacromial space can relieve the symptoms. However, if conservative measures do not bring any improvement, surgical removal of the shoulder bursa may be indicated.