Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain with movement, or a loss of mobility, shoulder problems can interfere with daily activities like reaching, lifting, or even sleeping comfortably. Understanding the cause of your shoulder pain is the key to effective treatment and long-term relief.
The shoulder joint is 100% neurologically controlled by the neck. This means that misalignments in the cervical spine can interfere with nerve signals traveling to the shoulder, making it more vulnerable to dysfunction and injury. When the nerves supplying the shoulder don’t function properly due to stiffness in the neck, the muscles around the shoulder can weaken even become imbalanced, predisposing you to injuries such as rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, and even frozen shoulder.
Proper nerve function and blood supply, which come from the spine, are **essential for healing and recovery**. If the head of the humerus (top of your arm bone) is not in its ideal position, microcirculation can be compromised, which affects tissue healing and increases the risk of chronic pain and inflammation.
Bad posture in the upper back and forward head carriage results in internal rotation of the shoulder and limits the mobility of your shoulder, putting you at greater risk of all types of shoulder injuries.
The shoulder is the **most mobile joint in the body**, capable of moving in multiple directions:
(raising the arm forward and backward)
(raising the arm to the side and bringing it down)
(rotating inward and outward)
(full circular motion) the list goes on.
Because of this extensive range of motion, the shoulder is **highly prone to injury**. For example, a swimmer can perform thousands of strokes in a single training session, placing significant stress on the joint. Without proper muscle balance and spinal alignment, this repetitive movement can lead to overuse injuries and pain.
The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder, but overuse or trauma can cause issues like:
Inflammation due to repetitive movement or poor posture.
Weakening or tearing of tendons, leading to pain and loss of strength and the need for surgery.
A progressive condition that limits movement and causes pain due to joint capsule thickening.
When the rotator cuff or bicep tendons are compressed, leading to inflammation and pain, particularly when lifting the arm overhead.
Labrum injuries often caused by trauma or repetitive overhead motion, leading to instability and deep joint pain.
Injuries or degenerative changes in the AC joint can cause localized pain and limit movement.
Neck misalignments can mimic shoulder pain by affecting nerve pathways that supply the joint.
Because shoulder pain can stem from multiple causes, a **precise diagnosis is crucial**. I conduct a thorough assessment that includes:
Identifying imbalances affecting the shoulder.
Evaluating joint stability and nerve function.
Assessing muscle tightness and fascial restrictions.
Determining movement limitations and pain triggers.
A properly functioning **scapula (shoulder blade)** is critical for healthy shoulder movement. Weakness in the **middle and lower trapezius muscles** can lead to abnormal shoulder mechanics, increasing strain on the rotator cuff and contributing to chronic pain. Strengthening these muscles is a key part of rehabilitation.
I use a combination of **chiropractic care, muscle therapy, and fascial release** to restore function and relieve pain.
Correcting misalignments in the neck and upper back to restore nerve function and joint mechanics.
Relieving tension and improving movement.
Increasing shoulder mobility and reducing stiffness.
Addressing rounded shoulders and forward head posture.
Reduces muscle tension and trigger points.
Improves blood flow and releases fascial restrictions.
Relieves pressure on the cervical spine, improving shoulder function.
The shoulder **responds quickly to the right treatment**, making it one of my favorite joints to work on. By correcting spinal alignment, improving scapular stability, and restoring nerve and blood supply, patients often experience significant relief and improved mobility in a short amount of time.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, the key to recovery is getting an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Let’s work together to restore your shoulder function and get you back to moving pain-free.
