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“Research indicates that shifts in the structure of the spine may impact function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of disorders, like frozen shoulder.” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.
McCoy stated, “It’s simple when you think about it because nerves from the neck control the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulder and the result of adjustments to the neck yielded dramatic improvement with little residual shoulder pain in this case.”
This study describes a 69-year-old female with frozen shoulder due to a fall, fracturing her right arm. She also had decreased range of motion in the neck and shoulder pain. She was not healing as expected, so additional imaging showed degeneration, confirmed the fracture, and showed mild muscle wasting. The pain was so great, she stopped using the arm to avoid the pain.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, shoulder, arm, upper back, low back, and pelvis. X-rays and other testing confirmed these findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, she had improved neck, shoulder, and arm range of motion. The shoulder pain decreased, and she was able to raise her arm unassisted. She was able to write in her journal, do some arts and crafts, get in and out the pool, and reach behind her back for the first time since the fracture. She reported increased energy, improved sleep, and better overall wellbeing.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/vertebral-subluxation-research-1/
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
