ARM AND LEG PAIN

The shoulder and hip joints are among the most frequently utilized joints in our bodies and are susceptible to a wide range of potential injuries. Often, individuals are unaware of the underlying causes of their pain. It could be a weekend warrior who pushed their joint to the limit during an athletic competition, a victim of a car accident, an individual who lifted excessive weight at work or home, or even a grandparent who inadvertently held their grandchild in an uncomfortable position throughout the night. In many cases, these situations result in immediate pain or discomfort due to muscle, bone, or nervous system damage and irritation. Fortunately, our chiropractic clinic located in Shanghai, China is here to provide assistance. However, there are also instances where arm and leg pain gradually develops over time, leaving individuals uncertain about the initial cause. The most common culprits behind such pain include vertebral subluxations, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and frozen shoulder. Furthermore, it has been noted that arm and leg pain can stem from "referred pain," whereby pain originating from one area of the body radiates to another. A well-known example is the arm pain often experienced during a heart attack. Another, less common example, is the pain that an inflamed gallbladder can cause under the right shoulder blade. At our clinic, we frequently encounter patients who complain of arm and leg pain originating from nerve irritation in the spine. When the spaces through which nerves exit the spine become narrowed due to misaligned vertebrae or discs, the nerves can become irritated, resulting in pain along their entire pathways. The pain patterns associated with sciatica serve as a prime example of this mechanism.

IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE OF LEG PAIN

Given the complexity of the joints and the multitude of potential causes, it is crucial to seek assistance from a healthcare professional trained in these areas. Typically, your healthcare provider will employ a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging techniques to determine the root cause of your pain. This involves identifying the location of the pain, factors that worsen or alleviate it, the type of pain sensation, as well as other symptoms such as swelling, skin changes, and bruising, which serve as additional diagnostic tools.

CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP?

As with any condition, it is advisable to address the most common and typical cause of pain and symptoms first. Misalignments (subluxations) of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back have been found to be responsible for the majority of reported arm and leg pain. When the bones or discs are out of position and unable to move properly, they can irritate the surrounding tissues and nerves. Many patients are surprised to learn about the extensive reach of their nerves throughout the body, extending from the spine all the way to the fingertips and toes. Consequently, injuries to the vertebrae in the spine can manifest as pain anywhere along the arms and legs. Through a carefully tailored course of treatment, patients at Cornerstone Community Chiropractic have achieved high levels of success in alleviating their pain through chiropractic care. If you or a loved one is experiencing arm or leg pain, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Shanghai, China.