Chiropractic Management Can Help Elbow Pain
“Tennis Elbow” is the familiar name given to elbow pain beginning on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This problem occurs when an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or more forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance near the elbow joint, called the lateral epicondyle. The medical term for this problem is lateral epicondylitis, signifying an inflammation of the epicondyle. When the inflammation occurs on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow, the condition is frequently called “Golfer’s Elbow” or medical epicondylitis. Golfer’s Elbow, though, is not as prevalent as Tennis Elbow.
Tennis and golf are not the only activities that are capable of causing epicondylitis. Any activity that requires repetitive gripping of objects can result in the affliction. There are those who develop “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow from other activities such as prolonged carrying of heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or computer work using unsuitable wrist and arm posture. With sports, the difficulty occurs when a person, who is new to a particular game, uses an awkward technique, tests new rackets or clubs, or extends the intensity or duration of exercise without the appropriate preparation.
Epicondylitis can at times originate farther up the arm or even in the neck. If a person has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become irritated producing tense muscles and putting undue strain on the tendon attachment(s). This produces a predisposition to elbow pain irrespective of the exacerbating cause. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can occur if the affliction is not treated. Evaluation and adjustments by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel Chiropractor can remedy the affliction and assisting in avoiding future complications.
Appropriate treatment is essential because epicondylitis seldom, if ever, resolves on its own. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. This might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Mount Laurel Chiropractic treatment has proved, in the majority of instances, to be highly effective in the most thorough management of this problem.
