Are You Dealing With Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can make everyday movements surprisingly difficult—from reaching overhead and getting dressed to lifting, working, exercising, or finding a comfortable sleeping position. The shoulder has a large range of motion and relies on several joints, muscles, and tendons working together. Because of that complexity, there can be many different reasons a shoulder becomes painful or difficult to move.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder problems may develop gradually from repetitive activity or physical demands, or they may begin after an injury such as a fall, sudden pull, or awkward movement.
Possible sources of shoulder discomfort include:
- Muscle or tendon irritation
- Rotator cuff problems
- Joint irritation or restricted movement
- Repetitive or overhead activity
- Sports or work-related injuries
- Falls or other trauma
- Problems involving the shoulder blade or surrounding muscles
- Pain related to the neck or upper back
Determining where your symptoms are coming from is an important part of deciding what kind of care may be appropriate.
What Does Shoulder Pain Feel Like?
Shoulder symptoms can vary depending on what's contributing to the problem. You may notice:
- Pain when reaching overhead or behind you
- Difficulty lifting or carrying
- Aching around the front, side, or back of the shoulder
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness with certain movements
- Pain that becomes more noticeable at night
- Discomfort extending into the upper arm
Sudden or significant weakness following an injury, substantial loss of movement, or other concerning symptoms may require additional medical evaluation.
Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain
Your visit starts with a history and examination to better understand how your shoulder is moving and what may be contributing to your symptoms. Because shoulder function can also be influenced by the neck, upper back, ribs, and shoulder blade, we may evaluate those areas as well.
When chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may include shoulder or other extremity adjustments, chiropractic care for related areas of the spine, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise, or other supportive therapies based on your individual needs.
If your symptoms or examination findings suggest that imaging or additional medical evaluation is appropriate, we'll discuss that with you.
