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What Hurts? Understanding Upper Limb Pain

Upper limb pain can significantly limit your ability to perform everyday tasks, from lifting and gripping to typing and playing sports.

At Hayek Chiropractic Care, we understand the intricate mechanics of the shoulder, elbow, and hand and how they work together. Below, we explore common symptoms, causes, and solutions for upper limb pain.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint, enabling a wide range of motion. However, this mobility can come at the cost of stability, making it vulnerable to overuse injuries and chronic pain. Whether caused by repetitive movements, sports, or referred pain from the neck, shoulder pain is a common disorder that we treat effectively.

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Common Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

  • Sharp pain when reaching for objects

  • Pinching during overhead movements

  • Catching, clicking, popping, or locking sensations

  • Dull, aching pain

  • Pain while sleeping on the affected side

  • Tightness and stiffness

  • Painful muscle “knots”​

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

  • Soft Tissue Fibrosis (Adhesion)

  • Rotator cuff injuries/Tears

  • Labrum tears

  • Nerve entrapment

  • Trigger points

  • Muscle weakness

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Bursitis

Elbow Pain

The elbow is a critical hinge joint that facilitates bending, straightening, and rotational movements. Elbow pain is often linked to overuse injuries, particularly in active individuals and athletes. Conditions can impact the cartilage of the joints, but pain can also stem from nerve entrapments or referred pain from the shoulder or wrist.

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Common Symptoms of Elbow Pain

  • Sharp pain when reaching or grabbing objects

  • Dull, aching pain

  • Catching, clicking, popping, or locking sensations

  • Weak grip strength

  • Tightness or stiffness in the forearm

  • Painful muscle “knots”

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

  • Fibrous Adhesion

  • Tendinopathy (chronic tendon issues)

  • Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

  • Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

  • Ligament sprains

  • Nerve entrapment

  • Trigger points

Hand Pain

Your hand is an intricate structure of bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves that enable fine motor skills and strength. When injured or overused, it can lead to discomfort, weakness, or numbness, significantly affecting daily life. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, scaphoid injuries, and nerve-related issues are common contributors to hand pain.

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Common Symptoms of Hand Pain

  • Pain or numbness in the fingers, especially at night

  • Weakness or difficulty gripping objects

  • Tingling or burning sensations

  • Swelling or stiffness in the hand or wrist

  • Sharp pain during thumb movement

  • Tenderness in the palm or wrist

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Common Causes of Hand Pain

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

  • Scaphoid Injuries: Fractures or instability of the small wrist bone.

  • TFCC Issues: Pain and instability on the pinky-side of the wrist.

  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons due to overuse.

  • Trigger Finger: A condition where fingers get stuck in a bent position.

  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: inflammation of tendons in the thumb.

How We Can Help

At Hayek Chiropractic Care, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating upper limb pain. Whether your discomfort originates from soft tissue issues, nerve entrapments, or biomechanical dysfunction, we offer personalised solutions, including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and corrective exercises.

If you're struggling with pain in your shoulder, elbow, or hand, let us help you find relief and regain your full range of motion.

Winston HCC

ft. Winston

©2025 Hayek Chiropractic Care.

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