Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons rub against the roof of the shoulder, the acromion.

Causes

Impingement occurs to some degree in everyone’s shoulder. Day-to-day activities that involve using the arm above shoulder level cause some impingement. Usually it doesn’t lead to any prolonged pain. But continuously working with the arms raised overhead, repeated throwing activities, or other repetitive actions of the shoulder can cause impingement to become a problem. Impingement becomes a problem when it causes irritation or damage to the rotator cuff tendons.

Symptoms

• Generalized shoulder aches
• Pain in the shoulder when raising the arm out to the side or in front of the body
• Pain makes it difficult to sleep, especially when sleeping on the affected shoulder

A reliable sign of impingement syndrome is a sharp pain when you try to reach into your back pocket. As the condition worsens, the discomfort increases. The joint may become stiffer. Sometimes a catching sensation is felt when you lower your arm. Weakness and inability to raise the arm may indicate that the rotator cuff tendons are actually torn.

Treatment

Our doctors will perform an examination to find the source of your pain. Chiropractic, neurological, orthopedic and physical testing helps us to determine a treatment program.