A Comprehensive Guide To Understanding And Treating The Root Cause Of Neck Pain: Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis is a condition that can develop in anyone who spends a lot of time at a computer. It’s easy to get stuck in front of a screen for hours on end, and this constant use can lead to adhesive capsulitis. In some cases, this condition can also be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic shoulder pain. If you think you have adhesive capsulitic symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so they can rule out other possible diagnoses. Adhesive capsulitis is typically one of the first warning signs that you have arthritis in your neck. The Arthritis Foundation states that it usually starts as inflammation on one side of the joint capsule or ligament. Over time, the condition becomes more widespread, and constant muscle spasms and stiffness happen more often. You may also experience pain with neck movement or when you look up from your computer monitor for an extended period of time.
What is Adhesive Capsulitis?
An adhesive capsulitis syndrome is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs in the joints of the neck. This condition can occur as a result of excessive computer use. The inflammation causes pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. In some cases, the condition can also affect the back, hips, wrists, and even shoulders. Adhesive capsulitis is a relatively rare condition that affects more men than women. It is also often misunderstood. Many people who have the condition attribute it to computer use, but it can also develop in people who spend a lot of time at a desk. Over time, it can affect joints at other places in your body, but the inflammation is usually in the neck. People with adhesive capsulitis may have a range of symptoms, but they usually begin in one joint. You may experience pain when you move the joint or when you flex your neck or shoulder muscles. You may also have pain with prolonged shoulder elevation or when you look up from your computer monitor.
Causes of Adhesive Capsulitis
As mentioned, adhesive capsulitis can be the result of an underlying condition, such as arthritis or a herniated disc. This is especially common in people who are older than 40 years old. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, it’s important to rule out these other possible diagnoses before assuming it’s all due to computer use. The Arthritis Foundation also states that adhesive capsulitis can occur if you have diabetes. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, including corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and even some common cold medications. Infections are another potential cause of adhesive capsulitis. Any kind of swelling can be caused by an infection, including bacterial, viral or fungal infections. If your doctor finds something else wrong with you, it’s important to rule out the cause of adhesive capsulitis.
Risk factors for adhesive capsulitis
– Overuse of your neck and shoulder joints – For example, if you frequently turn your head or lift up your arms while at a computer, this can make your neck joints overly irritated. – Excessive time spent sitting – Sitting for long periods of time weakens the muscles in your back and neck, making you more prone to developing adhesive capsulitis. It’s best to take breaks from sitting during your workday if you can. – Lack of exercise – Even though you might feel too tired to exercise during the day, it’s important to squeeze in 30 minutes of activity each day. This can reduce your risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.
Symptoms of adhesive capsulitis
Symptoms of adhesive capsulitis may develop gradually and may not cause noticeable changes in your neck and shoulder joints. Over time, the inflammation may become more severe or show up in other joints of your body. – Pain with movement or when you turn your head – This is the most common symptom of the condition. You may experience pain when you try to move your shoulder or rotate your neck. You may also experience pain when you lift your arms overhead or when you take a deep breath. – Pain when you look up from your computer – It’s common to feel pain when you look up from your computer for an extended period of time. This can be particularly painful when you’re trying to review important work documents. – Hand pain or stiffness – It’s also common to experience hand pain or stiffness when you have adhesive capsulitis. This can make it difficult to use your hands properly, such as to type or grasp objects.
Home treatment for adhesive capsulitis
If you think you have adhesive capsulitis symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Even though you may feel okay, it’s important to rule out other conditions. Here are some home remedies that may help reduce pain or inflammation. – Take a warm bath or shower to loosen up your joints – Cold water can irritate your joints, so try to spend more time in warm water when you have adhesive capsulitis. – Apply a heating pad to your neck and shoulder joints – This should help reduce pain and inflammation. Make sure to use a pad that doesn’t get excessively hot, as this can cause burns. – Apply a cold compress to your neck and shoulder joints – This can help reduce pain and inflammation. Make sure to use a cold compress that doesn’t get excessively cold, as this can be harmful.
Exercise treatment for adhesive capsulitis
If you have adhesive capsulitic symptoms, you may be able to reduce the pain and stiffness by following a regular exercise routine. This can help strengthen your muscles, which can improve your range of motion and decrease inflammation. Here are some examples of exercises you could try. – Stretches – Try to perform stretches while you are sitting in a chair. Try to do each stretch for 10 seconds and then relax for 30 seconds. You can also perform these while standing up, which is easier since you don’t have to support your back while doing the stretch. – Strengthening exercises – You can perform strengthening exercises while you are sitting in a chair. These exercises should be done with controlled movements, keeping your muscles relaxed. – Strengthening your neck muscles – When you are sitting in a chair, you can strengthen your neck muscles by lifting your chin and lifting your shoulders up towards your ears.
Prolonged treatment for adhesive capsulitis
If you have adhesive capsulitis symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. You may have an underlying condition, such as arthritis or a herniated disc in your spine. If the condition is caused by overuse of your neck and shoulder joints, it’s important to follow a treatment plan that includes rest, ice, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and exercise. It’s also important to avoid prolonged sitting during your workday if possible. You can try to switch to a standing workstation, move around as much as possible during your breaks or reduce the amount of time you spend sitting.
Conclusion
Adhesive capsulitis syndrome is a condition that can develop in anyone who spends a lot of time at a computer. It’s easy to get stuck in front of a screen for hours on end, and this constant use can lead to adhesive capsulitis. In some cases, this condition can also be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic shoulder pain. If you think you have adhesive capsulitic symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so they can rule out other possible diagnoses. Adhesive capsulitis is typically one of the first warning signs that you have arthritis in your neck. The Arthritis Foundation states that it usually starts as inflammation on one side of the joint capsule or ligament. Over time, the condition becomes more widespread, and constant muscle spasms and stiffness happen more often.