SHOULDER PAIN
Discover a holistic approach to treating shoulder pain at its root cause with chiropractic care.
Experiencing persistent aches, sharp shooting pains, or a dull throbbing in your shoulder? Do you find it difficult to reach overhead, lift objects, or even perform simple daily tasks like getting dressed? Perhaps you notice stiffness or a limited range of motion when trying to rotate your arm. You might also experience radiating pain into your neck, upper back, or down your arm, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling in your fingers. These are common symptoms of shoulder problems that could indicate a range of underlying issues, from rotator cuff injuries and bursitis to nerve impingement or even referred pain from the neck.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: These injuries, including tears and tendinitis, are a frequent cause of shoulder pain, often resulting from overuse or trauma.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Characterized by stiffness and pain, frozen shoulder restricts shoulder movement and can be very debilitating.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints) can cause sharp pain and discomfort in the shoulder.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Pinched Nerves: Nerve impingement in the neck (cervical spine) can refer pain to the shoulder.
- Poor Posture: Chronic slouching or poor posture can strain the shoulder muscles and contribute to pain.
Why a Full Spine Approach is Crucial for Shoulder Pain Relief
While the shoulder may be the site of pain, the root cause often lies elsewhere. That’s why we take a full-spine approach, examining the interconnectedness of your entire musculoskeletal system. Here’s why this is essential:
- The Neck (Cervical Spine) and Shoulder Pain: The nerves that innervate the shoulder originate in the neck. Misalignments or restrictions in the cervical spine can irritate these nerves, leading to referred pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the shoulder. Addressing cervical spine health is crucial for resolving many shoulder issues.
- The Core and Shoulder Stability: A weak core can compromise shoulder stability and contribute to improper movement patterns that strain the shoulder joint. Strengthening the core muscles provides a stable base for shoulder movement and reduces the risk of injury.
- The Feet and Overall Biomechanics: Surprisingly, issues with your feet can also contribute to shoulder problems. Foot imbalances can affect your gait and posture, creating a chain reaction of compensations throughout the body, ultimately impacting the shoulder. Addressing foot mechanics can help restore proper alignment and reduce stress on the shoulder.
Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has been shown to have positive outcomes in addressing shoulder pain and targeting the root cause of the problem. Research has highlighted several key benefits associated with chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain. One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise prescription were effective in improving shoulder pain and function. The study also noted that patients experienced a reduction in pain intensity and an increase in range of motion after receiving chiropractic care.
Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy compared the effectiveness of chiropractic care to a commonly used treatment for shoulder pain called corticosteroid injections. The results showed that both treatments were equally effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. However, the chiropractic group had longer-lasting benefits compared to the injection group.
Tailored Treatments That Work
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, contact The Movement Recipe today. We’ll perform a thorough examination to identify the root cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve lasting relief and improved function.