Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Chiropractic Care for Relief

Shoulder pain can limit your ability to move, lift, or perform daily tasks. Whether caused by injury, overuse, or underlying conditions, shoulder pain can interfere with your quality of life. At Peak Chiropractic, we provide personalized, non-invasive care to address the root causes of shoulder pain. By improving alignment and reducing inflammation, we aim to help you regain strength, mobility, and comfort.

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Illustration of the shoulder joint showing common areas affected by pain and inflammation.

What is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain refers to discomfort or pain in the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, making it susceptible to injuries, strain, and wear over time. Pain can range from mild discomfort during movement to sharp, debilitating pain that limits your range of motion. Chronic shoulder pain often stems from structural issues, such as misalignment or inflammation, which can disrupt the joint’s ability to function properly.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or strains in the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint are common causes of pain and weakness.
  • Bursitis or Tendonitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) or tendons around the shoulder can cause sharp or throbbing pain.
  • Shoulder Impingement: When shoulder tendons are compressed or pinched during movement, it can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility.
  • Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and limited motion in the shoulder joint.
  • Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pain and stiffness.
  • Poor Posture: Forward head posture or slouching can place strain on the shoulder muscles and joints, leading to discomfort.
  • Trauma or Overuse: Sports injuries, falls, or repetitive motions can strain the shoulder joint, causing pain or inflammation.

The Role of Spinal Alignment in Shoulder Pain

Misalignments in the cervical or thoracic spine can affect the nerves that control the shoulder, leading to pain, reduced strength, or restricted mobility. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting these misalignments to alleviate pressure on the nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function.

A chiropractor performing an adjustment to improve shoulder alignment and nerve function.

Symptoms and Challenges of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can present in various ways, often depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

  • Localized Pain: Sharp, throbbing, or dull pain around the shoulder joint or in the surrounding muscles.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty lifting the arm, rotating the shoulder, or performing overhead movements.
  • Weakness: A noticeable loss of strength in the shoulder or arm, making it hard to carry objects or perform daily tasks.
  • Stiffness: A feeling of tightness or difficulty moving the shoulder freely, often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  • Swelling or Tenderness: Inflammation or soreness around the joint that may increase with touch or movement.
  • Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from the shoulder to the neck, back, or arms, often indicating nerve involvement.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain can lead to:

  • Compensatory Issues: Over-reliance on other muscles and joints can cause strain in the neck, back, or opposite shoulder.
  • Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in the shoulder can disrupt overall body mechanics, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Persistent pain can limit physical activity, affect sleep, and reduce overall well-being.

Chiropractic care targets the underlying causes of shoulder pain, offering a drug-free, non-invasive solution to restore function and comfort.

A patient experiencing improved mobility and reduced pain after chiropractic care for shoulder pain.

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain at Peak Chiropractic

At Peak Chiropractic, we focus on addressing the root causes of shoulder pain to provide long-lasting relief. Our gentle, non-invasive approach helps restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve overall mobility.

How We Treat Shoulder Pain

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: We assess your spine, posture, and shoulder joint to identify misalignments, tension, or inflammation contributing to your pain.
  • Spinal Adjustments: Precise adjustments in the cervical and thoracic spine reduce nerve interference and promote better communication between the brain and shoulder.
  • Joint Mobilization: Gentle techniques to restore movement in the shoulder joint help alleviate stiffness and improve range of motion.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeted therapies reduce tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder, relieving pain and promoting healing.
  • Posture Correction: We provide guidance on maintaining proper posture to reduce strain on the shoulder joint and prevent future issues.
  • Exercise Recommendations: Strengthening and stretching exercises support shoulder function and help prevent re-injury.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

  • Reduced pain and inflammation
  • Improved range of motion and flexibility
  • Enhanced nerve function and communication
  • Relief from associated symptoms, such as neck or arm discomfort
  • Non-invasive, drug-free pain management

At Peak Chiropractic, we are dedicated to helping you overcome shoulder pain and achieve optimal mobility. Let us provide the care and support you need to return to the activities you love. Schedule a free consultation or contact us today.

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Dr Kyara Finney of Peak Chiropractic in Boise, Idaho directs her patient over to the 3D CBCT machine for an upper cervical appointment for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
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Discover How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help

Upper Cervical Chiropractic (UCC) is a highly effective technique that can provide relief for a wide range of symptoms. Research and case studies have shown the positive impact of UCC on conditions such as migraines, vertigo, fibromyalgia, and post-concussion syndrome.

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Reviews

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Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Boise Peak Chiropractic in their online reviews.

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140+ Reviews

Rated

5.0

3 Reviews

Jul 1, 2024
I will never go anywhere else
I highly recommend this chiropractor. I was hesitant to see a chiropractor because I had broken my back when I was younger and hate adjustments. That being said, I will never go anywhere else. I trust and feel comfortable here. The entire environment is comfortable and every person I talked to here was so personable and nice. Like I said, I highly recommend going here!
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Johnny S.

Boise, ID

Dec 24, 2024
I have previously seen another practitioner in the valley, but I was never able to get relief
I love Peak Chiropractic! I’ve suffered from upper cervical pain for about 10 years and it was gradually getting worse. I have previously seen another practitioner in the valley, but I was never able to get relief and have my adjustment hold. I highly recommend Peak chiropractic.
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Elizabeth Glaze

Treasure Valley

Jun 16, 2024
With a 3D imaging machine you visually can seen how out of align you are and then a plan of action to get you back to alignment
After dealing with migraines my whole life, then panic attacks and most recently vertigo, which is the absolute worst experience to go through. I was determined to find help and that is where I found Peak Chiropractic with Dr. John and Dr. Kyara. They are warm, welcoming and above all experts in the field of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. They walk you through the process step by step and with a 3D imaging machine you visually can seen how out of align you are and then a plan of action to get you back to alignment. The adjustments are gentle and precise. No cracking or extreme movement of the head, which I can't handle. The last time I saw a chiropractor the extreme movement of my head led me to vomit in the bathroom right after the appointment. Not the case at Peak Chiropractic! I am on a treatment plan that started in February and will go until July and that gives my neck time to adjust and heal and then hopefully maintenance after. I can't tell you how happy I am to finally feel better, sleep better. I don't have the wave of dizziness that I was having on the daily. I also suffer from panic attacks driving and that in itself is debilitating. Even though I came to Peak for migraine and vertigo issues, I had no idea how much it would help me in gaining back my confidence to drive. I no longer get in my car with the feeling of dread and panic. That in itself is life changing!! So thankful and grateful for the care I am receiving and the healing and recovery process. I highly recommend you take the time to get the help you need if suffering from migraines, vertigo or panic attacks. No reason to be miserable when you can get the help you need and through Amazing people like Dr. John and Dr. Kyara!
Read Original Review

Judy G.

Boise, ID

Boise Peak Chiropractic

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