Have you ever reached for something on a high shelf, only to be met with a sharp pain in your shoulder? Or perhaps you’ve woken up with a dull ache that just won’t go away?
Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks feel like monumental challenges. In fact, the shoulder is one of the most vulnerable joints in the human body due to its vast range of motion! So, how can you say goodbye to shoulder pain for good? And what’s causing your pain in the first place?
In this article, we explore eight common causes of shoulder pain and how chiropractic care might offer the relief you’ve been craving!
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
As aforementioned, the shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, capable of a wide range of motions. This flexibility, however, also makes it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. The shoulder joint involves the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone), along with numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And any of these structures can face pain or injury.
So, with all of that in mind, here are the common culprits behind shoulder pain:
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears or inflammation in these tissues can cause significant pain, especially when lifting or lowering your arm.
Luckily, chiropractors can perform gentle adjustments to improve shoulder joint mobility and reduce inflammation. They can also provide guidence and suggestions on how to avoid injury in the future (and regarding pain prevention).
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This condition involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often developing gradually and resulting in a significant loss of range of motion. Yet, through a combination of gentle mobilization techniques, and more, chiropractors can help improve flexibility and reduce pain associated with a frozen shoulder.
3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
This occurs when the top of the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted. It can cause pain and limit movement.
Chiropractors can work on improving the alignment of the shoulder blade and spine, which can help create more space in the joint and reduce impingement.
4. Osteoarthritis
As we age, the cartilage that cushions our joints can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. This can cause pain, stiffness, and a grinding sensation in the shoulder. While chiropractic care can’t reverse arthritis, it can help manage pain and improve joint function through gentle adjustments and lifestyle advice.
5. Bursitis
The shoulder contains small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that help reduce friction between tissues. When these become inflamed, it can result in pain and stiffness.
However, chiropractors can use gentle techniques to reduce inflammation and improve joint mechanics, potentially alleviating the pressure on the affected bursa.
6. Tendinitis
Repetitive motions or overuse can lead to inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, causing pain and weakness. Through a combination of techniques, chiropractors can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected tendons.
7. Poor Posture
Many of us spend hours hunched over computers or smartphones. This poor posture can lead to misalignment of the spine and shoulders, resulting in pain. But your local Highlands Ranch and Parker chiropractors can help by re-aligning the spine, correcting your posture and getting to the root cause of your pain.
8. Referred Pain
Sometimes, what feels like shoulder pain might actually originate from a problem in the neck or upper back. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat the root cause of pain. By addressing issues in the spine that might be referring pain to the shoulder, they can provide comprehensive relief.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain
Choosing chiropractic care for your shoulder pain offers several advantages, including:
- Non-invasive treatment: Chiropractic care doesn’t involve surgery or medication, making it a low-risk option for many patients.
- Addresses the root cause: Rather than just masking symptoms, chiropractic care aims to identify and treat the underlying cause of your pain.
- Improves overall function: By enhancing joint mobility and muscle strength, chiropractic care can improve your shoulder’s overall function.
- Personalized care: Treatment plans are tailored to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.
- Preventive approach: Chiropractors can provide advice on how to prevent future shoulder issues, potentially saving you from recurring pain.
Book Your Appointment Today!
At Awaken Chiropractic, we can help you finally overcome your shoulder pain. We’lll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, getting you back to the activities you love! Book your appointment today.
