Treat Elbow Pain with Chiropractic Care
Low back pain, neck pain, and knee pain are some of the most common orthopedic conditions seen by medical professionals today. These areas of the body tend to be particularly problematic, especially for very active individuals. However, in rare instances, individuals may experience elbow pain of one variety or another.
In this article, we’ll outline some common elbow conditions and discuss how chiropractic care can serve as the ideal treatment option for this area of the body.
The Elbow 101
At the most basic level, the elbow can be thought of as the junction between the humerus (the upper arm bone) and the radius and ulna (the two forearm bones). Additionally, there are many tendons, ligaments, and other structures which all contribute to the integrity of the elbow joint.
The elbow essentially moves in only one “plane”. In anatomical terms, the elbow can perform either flexion or extension, meaning that it can bend or straighten. This makes the elbow a seemingly simple joint. However, it becomes more complex when the elbow is placed in awkward positions due to wrist and/or shoulder motions.
In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the most commonly seen elbow conditions.
Common Painful Elbow Conditions
There are a number of issues that can affect the elbow. But the vast majority of problems that lead to elbow pain are caused by the specific ailments described below.
Golfer’s Elbow
At some point, you’ve likely heard of Golfer’s Elbow (referred to by medical professionals as medial epicondylitis). This problem affects the inside portion of the elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow is seen frequently in golfers (as you may suspect) and in individuals who work with their hands a lot.
The condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in this portion of the elbow. Furthermore, Golfer’s Elbow can become so painful and problematic that patients are even unable to hold something in their affected arm, such as a cup of coffee.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can be thought of as the opposite condition as Golfer’s Elbow.
This condition causes all of the same problems as Golfer’s elbow, but on the outside portion of the elbow. Much like Golfer’s Elbow, Tennis Elbow develops due to overuse of the affected arm through sporting activities or excessive use of the hand in question.
Specifically, many tennis players will develop this condition as a result of working on their backhand swing.
Tendon Ruptures
Less commonly, patients may experience a tendon rupture at the elbow. For instance, the biceps or triceps can tear partially (or completely) in this area. These injuries are often due to patients attempting to lift or push objects that are far too heavy for them to handle.
Elbow Pain Treatment
Unfortunately, there aren’t many good standard treatments for elbow conditions. Generally, the recommendations for these issues are to rest, or trial a steroid injection and use a brace. However, few people have the time or the desire to take 6-8 weeks off from using their affected arm in order to let it heal.
For this reason, chiropractic care offers the perfect solution that can address the conditions in question quickly and effectively.
Chiropractic Care for Elbow Pain
Chiropractic treatments focus largely on the spine. By manipulating specific areas of the neck or upper back that provide nerve connections to the elbow, chiropractors can help patients with elbow pain recover more quickly and experience less pain in their daily lives.
Looking for a good Noblesville chiropractor for your painful injury? Your search is over! Our team at Anchor Health Chiropractic has expertise in treating elbow pain, back pain, and a variety of other conditions. Book your first visit with us now!
