Shoulder pain isn’t just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your daily routine, limit your movement, and make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. Whether the pain is dull or sharp, understanding the causes of shoulder pain, its types, and the best shoulder pain treatment options can help you get back to living pain-free.
Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body. Understanding its structure is crucial to identifying the root causes of shoulder pain.
Bone Structure
The shoulder joint, or the glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the shallow socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Other bones involved include the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion, which forms the highest point of the shoulder.
The unique structure of the shoulder allows for a wide range of motion—more than any other joint in the body. However, this mobility also makes it less stable and more prone to injuries. Unlike the hip joint, which is deeply embedded, the shoulder relies heavily on surrounding muscles and ligaments for support, making it a delicate yet vital part of your musculoskeletal system.
Muscles and Tendons
The shoulder relies on a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments for movement and stability. The rotator cuff, comprising four muscles and their associated tendons, plays a critical role in keeping the shoulder joint stable and functional. Other significant structures include the deltoid muscle, biceps tendon, and bursae, which cushion the joint.
In addition to movement, these components work together to absorb the impact of physical activities. Whether you’re lifting weights, carrying groceries, or throwing a ball, the coordination between muscles and tendons protects the shoulder from excessive strain. When any of these structures become injured or inflamed, it can lead to significant pain and dysfunction.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body, but that flexibility makes it vulnerable to problems. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:
Overuse Shoulder Injuries
Repetitive movements can strain the muscles and tendons in your shoulder, leading to pain and inflammation. Overuse injuries are particularly common among athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs. For example, swimmers often experience “swimmer’s shoulder,” a condition caused by repeated overhead strokes. Addressing these injuries early is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the joint.
Trauma or Accidents
A sudden fall or accident can cause fractures, dislocations, or tears in your shoulder joint, which often results in immediate and severe pain. These events can also damage surrounding soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons, requiring prompt attention.
Excessive Tension
Excessive pressure on a nerve from surrounding tissues like bones, tendons, or muscles can result in pinched nerves and inflammation around the shoulders. This is often associated with poor posture or repetitive motions, such as sitting hunched over a desk or performing overhead lifting.
Nerve compression can lead to radiating pain that extends to the neck, arm, or hand.
Degenerative Changes
Over time, wear and tear or conditions like arthritis can break down the cartilage in your shoulder joint, leading to stiffness and chronic discomfort.
Age-related degeneration is inevitable for many people, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can slow the progression Read about the epidemiology and treatment of shoulder pain.
Types of Shoulder Pain and Their Symptoms
Understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing is essential for finding the right shoulder pain treatment.
Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint. Injuries, like tears or inflammation, typically occur from repetitive overhead motions.
Its common symptoms are pain while lifting your arm, weakness, and difficulty reaching behind your back.
Rotator cuff injuries are particularly common in professions requiring heavy lifting or repetitive arm movements.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It’s common in people recovering from injuries or surgery.
Its common symptoms are severe stiffness, gradual pain that may ease as stiffness progresses, and disrupted sleep due to discomfort.
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:
- The freezing stage: Increasing pain and stiffness
- The frozen stage: Stiffness persists but pain may decrease
- The thawing stage: Gradual return of motion).
Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) cushioning your shoulder joints become inflamed due to overuse or pressure. Its common symptoms are tenderness, swelling, pain during repetitive movements, and discomfort lying on the affected side.
Shoulder Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis causes cartilage breakdown, leading to painful friction in the joint. Its common symptoms are morning stiffness, pain, reduced range of motion, and worsening discomfort with activity.
Dislocation or Tear
Shoulder dislocations or ligament tears are often caused by sudden trauma. Its common symptoms are sudden, sharp pain, visible deformity, swelling, and limited movement.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder can cause radiating pain, tingling, and weakness in the arm or hand when holding things.
The Relationship Between Shoulder Pain and Other Body Parts
Shoulder pain often connects to issues in surrounding areas, such as the neck and upper back.
Neck Pain
Tension or misalignment in the cervical spine can radiate pain to the shoulder. Pinched nerves in the neck may also lead to tingling or weakness in the shoulder.
This connection is known as referred pain. Conditions like herniated discs or cervical radiculopathy often present as shoulder discomfort, making it essential to assess the neck when diagnosing shoulder pain.
Upper Back Pain
The muscles of the upper back and shoulders work together. Postural issues, such as forward head posture or rounded shoulders, can exacerbate both upper back and shoulder pain.
Ergonomic adjustments, like using a supportive chair or standing desk, can prevent these problems.
When Should I Consider Professional Shoulder Pain Treatment?
The good news? Some pain does go away on its own with ice or heat therapy and rest without the need for professional shoulder pain treatment. The bad news? It depends on the cause.
- Minor Overuse or Strains: These often heal with rest, ice, and proper stretching.
- Chronic or Severe Issues: Problems like rotator cuff tears or arthritis usually need professional treatment.
Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain
Ice and Heat Therapy
Applying ice reduces inflammation, while heat soothes stiff muscles and promotes blood flow.
Alternate between ice and heat therapy for maximum effectiveness. Ice should be applied for 15–20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours of an injury, while heat can be used later to relax tight muscles.
Stretches and Exercises
Gentle stretches, like doorway stretches and pendulum exercises, improve flexibility and strength. Resistance band exercises can help stabilize the joint.
Dietary Considerations
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as fish, nuts, and leafy greens, help combat inflammation.
Incorporating anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger into your diet can help. And apart from adding, avoiding processed foods can also aid recovery.
When to Seek Professional Shoulder Pain Treatment
While mild pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms mean you should seek professional attention ASAP:
- Severe, Sudden Pain: Could indicate a dislocation or serious injury.
- Swelling or Redness: These might be signs of an infection or inflammation.
- Numbness or Tingling: This suggests nerve involvement, which needs prompt care.
- Inability to Move Your Shoulder: This could signal structural damage, like a tear or frozen shoulder.
Also, if your shoulder pain has lasted longer than three months, it’s classified as chronic and requires professional shoulder pain treatment.
Finding the Right Shoulder Pain Treatment
Finding the right shoulder pain treatment often depends on the underlying cause. Chiropractic care is gaining attention as a non-invasive approach to managing various types of shoulder pain.
Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain Treatment
Chiropractic care is highly effective in treating various shoulder conditions, including pain caused by poor posture, rotator cuff tendinitis, and pinched nerves. It also significantly relieves frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and helps manage arthritis-related discomfort, improving mobility and overall joint health.
Why should you Consider Chiropractic as Your Shoulder Pain Treatment?
- Provides relief for chronic conditions unresponsive to conventional methods.
- Reduces inflammation and improves joint function without surgery or medications.
How Does it Work as a Treatment for Shoulder Pain?
- Spinal and Shoulder Adjustments:
Chiropractors address misalignments in the spine or shoulder joint that may contribute to pain. Adjustments can restore proper alignment, reduce pressure on nerves, and improve shoulder mechanics.
- Soft Tissue Therapy:
Techniques like trigger point therapy, or myofascial release, target tight muscles and inflamed tissues surrounding the shoulder, promoting relaxation and pain relief.
- Postural Correction:
Poor posture is a common cause of shoulder pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help with posture correction, and reduce strain on the shoulders and neck.
- Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive shoulder pain treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Is especially effective for conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments. It can:
- Reduce inflammation in tendons and muscles.
- Break down scar tissue, improving mobility.
- Stimulate blood flow to accelerate the healing process.
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to turn into a chronic issue if you find proper treatment. At our practice in Highlands Ranch, we’ve helped many patients find relief from shoulder pain and regain full mobility.
We always recommend that people look for a local provider near them who understands their symptoms and offers treatments tailored to their needs. We’re proud to have served the Highlands Ranch community and nearby areas, including Littleton, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree, for many years.
We’re located near Highlands Ranch Mansion and Daniels Park, we invite you to visit us. Together, we’ll determine the best shoulder pain treatment plan to help you get back to living pain-free.
FAQs About Shoulder Pain and Chiropractic Care
Is chiropractic care a good treatment for a torn rotator cuff?
Yes, chiropractic treatments can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve shoulder mechanics for partial tears. For complete tears, chiropractic care can still be beneficial as part of a post-surgical rehabilitation program, aiding recovery and preventing compensatory injuries.
Is chiropractic care safe for older adults with arthritis?
Absolutely. Chiropractors use gentle, arthritis-friendly techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Can chiropractic adjustments prevent shoulder injuries?
Yes, by promoting proper alignment and posture, chiropractic care reduces strain and injury risk.
What’s the best sleeping position for shoulder pain?
Sleep on your back with a pillow supporting the painful shoulder, or on your side with a cushion between your arms.
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