A winged scapula can be a painful and even debilitating condition if left untreated. As the name suggests, the condition is often easily spotted by the protrusion of the scapula from the back. It can be treated, fortunately. Chiropractic care and associated therapies can help you get relief from your symptoms, and to strengthen your shoulders to avoid further discomfort.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a winged scapula can include:

• Protrusion of the shoulder blade from the back
• Pain when sitting from pressure on the scapula
• Difficulty moving the shoulder and arm
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm

Sometimes the symptoms of a winged scapula are relatively minor in the beginning. You may only have a little discomfort at the start. But symptoms tend to get worse over time, so it is important for you to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

Causes

There are a variety of causes of a winged scapula. Often it is the result of damage to the thoracic nerve in the shoulder, sometimes due to trauma.

The damage to the thoracic nerve can cause muscles in the shoulder to become paralyzed, leading to winged scapula symptoms. Many times the appearance of a winged scapula indicated other problems in the back and shoulder.

Poor posture can also lead to a winged scapula. Years of poor posture can weaken the muscles that hold the shoulder in place to the point where a winged scapula is more likely to occur.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Identification of the cause

Because this condition can be caused by several different issues, it is important to determine the exact cause before beginning treatment. A chiropractor is well-qualified to give you a full body examination to locate the source of your injury.

Realignment of the thoracic nerve

Chiropractors are skilled at aligning the human body, including the thoracic nerve. We can locate the point where misalignment of the nerve has occurred and often correct it.

Shoulder strengthening

As a winged scapula is often the result of weakened shoulder muscles, the most effective treatment is usually to strengthen the muscles. Our team can guide you in rehab exercises to return your muscle strength and support your shoulder. We can also help you learn how to activate the right muscles in the right manner to operate your shoulder properly.

Chiropractic adjustments

When things like poor posture and/or injury lead to a winged scapula, the injury is usually only part of the overall issues with the body. Chiropractic adjustments are ideal for realigning your spine and limiting the pressure on the nerves in your back. Adjustments can help with the muscle imbalances and spinal imbalances that often accompany the appearance of a winged scapula.

Seek Qualified Care from a Chiropractor

The symptoms of a winged scapula can come on slowly, which makes many sufferers feel like they should try fixing the issue themselves before seeking medical care. Unfortunately, trying to heal a winged scapula on your own is not likely to be effective.

In fact, you will need some sort of assistance to even apply ice to the area, You will also need help to identify exactly what is wrong and to treat it. Seeking qualified care is recommended.

Helping You Heal

A winged scapula can be quite painful. You should not have to suffer from should pain and back pain. We encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment and get the treatment you deserve. We are happy to help you with all your chiropractic needs.

Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation | El Paso, Tx