Mid Back, Shoulder and Chest Pain
Pain in the back of the shoulder radiating around to the chest
can be a worrisome problem. The first concern that most individuals
have with this type of pain is that there may be a heart problem
present. In the majority with this type of pain, however, a visit
to the emergency room or to a family doctor will produce a diagnosis
of "musculoskeletal pain." Although this relieves the
anxiety concerning heart disease, these individuals are
given little help in resolving this pain.
Once it has been established that heart disease is not present,
the diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain should lead to appropriate
treatment. Chiropractic manipulation is proving to be the most
effective treatment for this common complaint. In 71 patients at
St. Georges Hospital in London, manipulation was tested in the
treatment of shoulder and chest pain. All patients had originally
been seen for suspected heart disease, but proved to have pain
originating from the spine. Manipulation completely relieved the
pain in 78 percent of the patients and at least partially helped
another 16 percent. In total, 94 percent were helped with this
treatment.
These researchers explained this type of pain as originating from
irritation of the nerves in the mid and upper spine that also supply
the back of the shoulder and the chest wall. They also stated that
this type of pain is the third most common cause of chest pain
in those seen at coronary care units behind only heart attacks
and angina.
Many individuals with pain in the back of the shoulder radiating
to the chest will prove to have a spinal joint problem rather
than a heart problem. Chiropractic manipulation has proven to be
effective
for this condition and should be the first choice in treatment.
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