{"id":117516,"date":"2024-06-30T07:58:07","date_gmt":"2024-06-30T11:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/?p=117516"},"modified":"2024-06-30T07:58:07","modified_gmt":"2024-06-30T11:58:07","slug":"can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Can ac joint arthritis cause neck pain?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-117522\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117522 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"http:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain.webp\" alt=\"Can ac joint arthritis cause neck pain?\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com?longdesc=117522&amp;referrer=117516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain.webp 1280w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-64x36.webp 64w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-800x450.webp 800w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-95x53.webp 95w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Can-ac-joint-arthritis-cause-neck-pain-190x107.webp 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we enter our 40s and 50s, arthritis frequently develops in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499858\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acromioclavicular (AC) joint<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in our shoulders. This can be extremely uncomfortable and cause difficulty utilizing your shoulder for everyday tasks and movements. Pain from the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint almost always mimics neck pain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC joint<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AC Joint, also known as the Acromioclavicular Joint, is located in the shoulder where two bones meet: the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clavicle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clavicle (collarbone)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the acromion. The acromion, a component of the scapula (shoulder blade), can be felt near the top border of the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AC joint, like all joints, has cartilage between its two bones. This cartilage permits the acromion and clavicle bones to move without friction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC joint Arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC stands for acromioclavicular joint. It is the joint where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula). Over time, this joint may become inflammatory or arthritic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of AC joint arthritis include anterior shoulder ache that worsens when the arm is brought across the body. It is frequently observed in weightlifters and heavy laborers. The initial treatment consists of activity adjustment, anti-inflammatory medicines, or an injection of cortisone into the AC joint. If these procedures fail, the end of the collarbone can be removed arthroscopically to eliminate the source of the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of AC joint Arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-117519\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117519 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"http:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis.webp\" alt=\"Symptoms of AC joint Arthritis\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com?longdesc=117519&amp;referrer=117516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis.webp 1200w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-600x300.webp 600w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-64x32.webp 64w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-800x400.webp 800w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-95x48.webp 95w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Symptoms-of-AC-joint-Arthritis-190x95.webp 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The major symptom of AC joint pain is pain in the upper shoulder, where the clavicle joins the acromion. The ache gradually spreads to the side of the neck and ear. Certain behaviors that exacerbate the inflammation and pain include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing overhead activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleeping on the injured shoulder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move the injured arm over the other shoulder.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACJ osteoarthritis develops gradually, with symptoms becoming increasingly severe and painful. As a result, you may have persistent pain while going about your regular activities and may wake up at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AC joint pain symptoms might also appear with an AC joint dislocation. AC joint separation or sprain is the most common cause of AC joint pain. It can occur when the ligaments that connect the shoulder blade to the collarbone become inflamed and detach. The pain ranges from mild (stretched ligaments) to severe (torn ligaments).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the ligaments are ripped, it will be felt on top of the shoulder as a bump or&#8217;step&#8217;.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with an AC joint dislocation find it difficult to raise their hands above shoulder level. Similarly, stretching their arms across the midline of the body, above the shoulder level, is equally difficult.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of AC joint Arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because our entire shoulder complex can move freely and is used frequently throughout the day, it is more susceptible to wear and tear than other joints. When you elevate your arm in overhead activities, your AC joint gets exposed to increased load. This could be due to regular activities at home or at work. It is also typical in weightlifters and others who frequently carry high loads or weights above their heads.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the leading causes of AC joint arthritis is bad posture. If your postural muscles are unable to maintain sufficient biomechanical alignment, your AC joint will not function properly. For example, if you are bent over a desk, your posture will be rounded upper back, forward hanging head, and rounded shoulders. This is not the best resting or beginning posture for movement of your shoulder complex, including your AC joint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repetitive motions in daily or sporting activities that begin with inadequate anatomical alignment can eventually cause increasing pressure on your ligaments and joints. This can lead to the development of AC joint osteoarthritis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another cause of AC joint osteoarthritis is an injury to the AC joint, such as a detachment. Falling onto your shoulder might cause your AC joint to separate or dislocate. Even if your shoulder separation and damage heal, you may discover that you are more prone to degeneration in your AC many years later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis of ACJ arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-117520\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117520 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"http:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis.webp\" alt=\"Diagnosis of ACJ arthritis\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com?longdesc=117520&amp;referrer=117516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis.webp 1200w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-600x300.webp 600w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-64x32.webp 64w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-800x400.webp 800w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-95x48.webp 95w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Diagnosis-of-ACJ-arthritis-190x95.webp 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The diagnosis of AC joint arthritis begins with a series of specific questions about your situation, such as:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Where exactly does it hurt?<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>How did the injury occur?<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>What exactly are your symptoms?\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are you experiencing pain? If so, how painful?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following the questionnaire, the doctor will perform a physical exam to examine the shoulder&#8217;s mobility and strength.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Shoulder &#8216;Scarf&#8217; test is frequently positive. This entails moving the outstretched arm along the body. Shoulder abduction exceeding 90 degrees may cause pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The clinician may also feel around the bones and the connective tissue between the clavicle and acromion. They may also recommend additional testing, such X-rays or an ultrasound scan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your physiotherapist performs an initial assessment and examination, a diagnosis of your shoulder symptoms will be made.\u00a0 Your physiotherapist will then commence treatment for your AC joint arthritis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment will initially most commonly be hands-on treatments such as deep and\/or soft tissue release of surrounding muscles and fascia, and joint mobilization to ease your pain. Often the pectoralis minor muscle has shortened due to sustained forward rolling of your shoulder and needs to be lengthened.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry needling may also be used to relieve your pain and to eliminate tight muscle bands or inflammation at the site of muscle attachments. As your pain settles, range-of-motion home exercises, and postural and shoulder strengthening exercises will also be prescribed at graduated levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initially, movements are performed with your arm held below your shoulder level. As you improve, expand your rehab activities to incorporate strength training for your rotator cuff and shoulder blade (scapula) muscles. Your goal should be to have your shoulder working with proper biomechanics while minimizing your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How will Dr. Joe help you?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-117521\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-117521 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"http:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you.webp\" alt=\"How will Dr. Joe help you?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com?longdesc=117521&amp;referrer=117516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you.webp 1200w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-600x300.webp 600w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-64x32.webp 64w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-800x400.webp 800w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-95x48.webp 95w, https:\/\/drjoe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/How-will-Dr.-Joe-help-you-190x95.webp 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re looking to manage arthritis, it&#8217;s essential to consult with healthcare professionals such as rheumatologists, physical therapists, and possibly chiropractors. Will be glad to know that Dr. Joe\u2019s team can fulfill all your expectations about this. Dr. Joe himself is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/will-chiropractic-help-shoulder-pain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">very well-known chiropractor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They can provide personalized treatment plans that may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and possibly complementary practices you should do in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DIsclosure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While treating AC joint pain might be difficult, posture adjustment and rehab can help prevent damage caused by overuse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can ac joint arthritis cause neck pain? The answer is \u201cYES\u201d. Instability or injury to the AC joint can irritate and disable any or all of these muscles, resulting in neck pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we enter our 40s and 50s, arthritis frequently develops in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint in our shoulders. This can be extremely uncomfortable and cause difficulty utilizing your shoulder for everyday tasks and movements. Pain from the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint almost always mimics neck pain.\u00a0\u00a0 AC joint The AC Joint, also known as the Acromioclavicular [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10987,"featured_media":117522,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10987"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117516"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117516\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117522"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drjoe.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}