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ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINTTHE AC-JOINTThe AcromioClavicular Joint acts as a pivot giving stability to the shoulder girdle. The shoulder consists of FOUR joints, one of which is the Acromio-Clavicular joint. The acromion is the bone at the highest point of the scapula, right at the tip of your shoulder, lying just above the socket. The Acromion, part of the shoulder-blade (scapula), articulates with the collar bone (or Clavicle) at the so-called Acromio-Clavicular (or, AC-) joint.
The AC-joint contains a small disc and is particularly prone to wear and tear (arthrosis). Second only to the thumb in the arthritis stakes. Most people by the age of 40 have a degree of degenerative change within the joint, which contributes greatly to the syndromes causing limited shoulder range of motion. This is why chiropractic care of the AC is so important, to keep it free and mobile. During shoulder movements, the clavicle rotates, mediated by the Subclavius muscle. It sits right under the collar bone, a very important muscle. Can you see it?
The collar bone is firmly attached to the Acromion and the Coracoid process by very strong ligaments.
Here you can see the upper arm (Humerus), the Clavicle and three parts of the Shoulder Blade (Scapula):
When raising the arm above the head, the scapula rotates, the collar bone acting a strut, connecting the shoulder to the sternum, or breast bone, giving stability and support to the shoulder girdle. Falls on the shoulder, and on the outstretched hand, transmit enormous forces to the AC joint – either the ligaments anchoring the clavicle to the scapular may be torn (strain, partial or complete rupture), or the clavicle itself may fracture. Usually these heal with immobilisation in a sling, though occasionally surgery may be required. Many sportsmen have ruptured ligaments, allowing the clavicle to pop up. It looks serious, but most attest to the fact it gives little trouble after a few months.
Chiropractors are trained to adjust and mobilise the AC joint, vital for the management of shoulder conditions such as Frozen Shoulder, when it feels as though the AC-joint has turned to concrete. The treatment of many other shoulder conditions such as Rotator Cuff syndrome are also dependent on correction of any AC-joint fixations. ArthritisThe Acromioclavicular joint is the second most likely (after the thumb) structure to become arthritic. In part, because of so much use - every time you move your arm - and partly because of so many falls on the arm and shoulder.New research is now proving that when a joint becomes fixated, fluids vital for the healthy nutrition of the joint cartilage are not adequately replenished. This leads to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients and a build up of noxious wastes in the joint. For more about Immobilisation Arthritis, click here. Fish soupCold water fish are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. For one delic way to enjoy your fish, and even perhaps get relief from Acromioclavicular Joint arthritis, click here.From ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT to FROZEN SHOULDER Newsletter. Signed up yet?
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