Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain: What You Need to Know

Shoulder pain has many causes. Some of these causes are physical traumas (injuries), and some of them are inflammatory conditions. Many people are resigned to living with a stiff or painful shoulder and try various medicinal gels or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but they only provide temporary relief from pain. The truth is that chiropractic for shoulder pain is much more effective in many cases. This article will discuss the most common causes of shoulder pain and when you should see a chiropractor.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is a complex joint capable of a very wide range of motions. It is connected with the neck and the back through muscles and ligaments. The joint itself works like a precise mechanism or ball bearings. However, in some cases, this mechanism is disturbed and thrown off balance.



In other cases, injuries and conditions around the shoulder itself impact its function and cause pain. Thus, the most common causes of shoulder pain are:

1. Pain Transferred from the Back or Neck

Stiff neck muscles or back muscle strain can affect the shoulder. Many people who complain of a stiff or painful shoulder and come to see a chiropractor are surprised to find out that the shoulder itself is perfectly alright.



This is one of the cases when chiropractic for shoulder pain is most effective. By resolving the underlying causes (strained neck or back muscles), the chiropractor also helps the patient find relief from shoulder pain.

2. Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation that usually appears in overused joints. The bursa is a liquid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. People who perform repetitive motions with their arms, including professional athletes (baseball players, for example) are at risk of developing shoulder bursitis – the inflammation of the bursa.



Bursitis is one of the conditions that can be healed with chiropractic for shoulder pain. Chiropractic massages, dry needling, and necessary adjustments improve the blood flow, reduce inflammation, and return the joint to its full functioning.

3. Dislocated Shoulder

Making the wrong move or falling can knock the ball of the bone out of its placement in the shoulder joint. Unlike the images you see in movies with people putting back their dislocated shoulder, in real life things do not work like this.



You should not attempt to knock back your shoulder in place on your own. Instead, if you believe that your shoulder is dislocated, go to a chiropractor, who knows how to do it. Improperly aligned joints can lead to other complications, including muscle weakness, and the sensation of numbness and tingling in the fingers.

4. Shoulder Instability

A shoulder can become unstable due to an improperly treated injury or as a result of overuse. In some cases, surgery may be needed to stabilize the shoulder. However, in mild to average cases of instability, chiropractic for shoulder pain is the right solution/



The chiropractor will prepare a personalized treatment plan, which will also include physical therapy to rebuild strength in the entire arm and recover the full use and mobility of the shoulder.

5. Rotator Cuff Tear

Finally, your shoulder pain may be caused by a torn rotator cuff. This is the name of the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder. One or several elements of the rotator cuff may suffer a tear as a result of trauma or overuse.



Depending on the severity of the case, chiropractic for shoulder pain can solve this issue. In the most severe cases, surgery is required.



Chiropractic for shoulder pain is effective in most of the cases, with some rare exceptions. If you cannot move your shoulder properly or experience pain constantly, find a chiropractor near you in our online directory and book an appointment!