The scapula, otherwise known as the shoulder blade, connects the upper arm with the collar bone. It’s surrounded by muscles and helps provide stability and movement to the arm. A winging scapula has several different causes. Show
Fixing a winged scapula is a matter of determining what is causing it. Sometimes a winging scapula is caused by trauma or injury, other times it’s caused by poor posture, nerve damage, or overuse of the shoulder blade. There are both surgical and non-surgical options to fix this condition. How To Identify Winged ScapulaIt’s fairly easy to identify a winged scapula. It’s not easily confused with common issues, such as a knot in the shoulder. Since the shoulder blades sit just under the skin on the upper back, it’s easy to visually identify an abnormal protrusion. A winged scapula will stick out at an angle from the back. Some cases cause a more apparent protrusion, but nearly all cases result in protrusion of one or both shoulder blades. Unfortunately, the underlying causes of scapular winging are a little harder to pin down. There are several different causes, each bringing different symptoms and requiring different methods of treatment. First, let’s take a look at the symptoms. Symptoms of Scapular WingingSymptoms of a winged scapula vary depending on the cause of the issue and how the person’s body reacts. Some common symptoms include:
Types of Scapular WingingThere are a few different types of scapular winging. The type usually dictates the specific treatment options available. It is almost always caused by damage to one or more nerves: the long thoracic nerve, spinal accessory nerve, or the dorsal scapular nerve. 1) Repetitive Motion Injuries
2) Traumatic Injuries
3) Non-Traumatic Injuries
Winged Scapula TestThere are many different kinds of tests that medical professionals perform to diagnose a winged scapula. A range of tests is often performed to determine how the movement of the shoulder blade is affected. Since the scapula has attachments to 17 different muscles, it’s important to know how movement is affected in order to get proper treatment. Most of these tests involve different types of shoulder movements while the physician evaluates the movement of the shoulder blade. These tests are designed to determine the specifics of scapular winging. There are a few different definitions for scapular winging:
Electromyographic testing is also essential in diagnosing scapular winging. This tests the muscles by recording their electrical activity. It’s a good way to determine nerve function since damaged nerves are a common cause of winged scapula. Of course, any anterior/posterior shoulder pain you feel will also indicate the extent of the scapular winging and your treatment options. Winged Scapula TreatmentThe specific treatment of winged scapula depends on the underlying cause. There are surgical options and nonsurgical options. In most cases, nonsurgical options should be exhausted before surgical options are seriously considered. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and bracing are common non-invasive options. Can A Chiropractor Fix Winged Scapula?Chiropractors can help shoulder pain in general, but a common question regards their ability to treat winged scapula. Although chiropractic care usually isn’t right for winged scapula caused by traumatic injuries, it is a good option for winged scapula caused by injuries or issues with the muscles and tendons. In fact, when you see a chiropractor for shoulder impingement or other shoulder issues, you could head off winged scapula before it gets too serious. This is because chiropractic adjustments can help correct posture imbalances and strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder and scapula. If you’re having shoulder issues or suspect you may be developing a winged scapula or other shoulder issues, don’t hesitate to seek chiropractic help. You can’t just wait for rotator cuff injuries to heal themselves— or any other shoulder injuries. Other Treatment OptionsIf chiropractic care, physical therapy, and/or bracing haven’t had a positive effect after an amount of time determined by your physician or doctor of chiropractic, you may need to try other treatment options. Nerve and muscle transfers are the least risky option of the three main surgical procedures. This is when a surgeon transfers healthy muscle and nerve tissue to the affected area, promoting healthy healing and normalized use. Static stabilization is a surgical procedure that attaches the scapula to another part of the skeleton, such as the ribs or the vertebrae with a sling. The more risky option involves fusing the scapula to the ribs. This usually has more unwanted side effects and is usually a last resort. How Long To Fix a Winged Scapula?The road to recovery depends on how severe the winged scapula is. Some diagnoses only require some adjustments and physical therapy to heal within a few months. For these cases, it’s about the equivalent of getting rid of a pinched nerve in the shoulder. Other times it can take up to 2 years for the scapular winging to fully heal. It all depends on the cause, the treatment options available, and the individual patient’s factors. Winged Scapula Stretches and ExercisesThere are a number of exercises that can benefit those with scapular winging. However, it’s always best to talk to your health care provider before doing and specific stretches like the ones outlined below. 1) Scapular Stretch
2) Scapular Push-Ups
3) Standing Angels
4) Scapular Retraction
5) Seated Row
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