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Can A Chiropractor Help With Shoulder Pain? 

Have you ever felt sharp twinges while moving? Do you feel stiffness or a numbing sensation in your shoulders at night?

Long commutes, constant hunching over your laptop, or poor posture can contribute to the issue.

In the hustle and bustle of life, you may often ignore these signs. Gradually, the pain takes on a larger form, disrupting your focus, sleep, and productivity.

To cope with this, you might keep reaching for over-the-counter solutions.

The benefit? You get immediate relief, but the pain rebounds, often tangled with neck stiffness or shoulder pain.

In such cases, receiving tailored pain relief and management treatment from a Chiropractor can be beneficial.
These experts are often overlooked, restricting their potential to bone alignments. It leads to confusion: Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?

This blog will work as a guide to help you understand the role of a chiropractor and their skills in treating shoulder pain. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits you can get from their care.

Who is a Chiropractor?

Before finding the answer to: Can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders? You need to understand the function of the expert.

A chiropractor is a licensed professional who treats musculoskeletal conditions through spinal manipulation. Their techniques help to improve your joint motion, relieve pain, and restore function.

The expert focuses on harnessing the body’s natural healing ability, thereby enhancing recovery and managing pain. In shoulder pain chiropractic care, you will receive advice on lifestyle, exercise, and posture.

They diagnose and treat conditions of the muscles, spine, bones, and connective tissues. They aim to correct mechanical disorders for long-term relief.

By addressing the root cause of the pain, the chiropractor emphasizes offering a holistic approach. They take care of your shoulder joint, and also address the joints of the upper back, neck, and shoulder.

Their treatment methods are ideal for individuals who want a solution for their pain without relying on medications or procedures.

What Are the Primary Causes of Getting Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be debilitating and stem from various issues, thereby impacting your daily activities. The shoulder pain often arises from sudden or repetitive movements, such as swimming, lifting, or overhead sports.
This condition can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff, causing you severe pain.

It can potentially lead to Bursitis or tendinitis. You might also get pain radiating down the arm from nerve compressions. It is also not uncommon for shoulder pain to arise from other areas, like the upper back or neck.

Repetitive tasks or overuse of muscles can also contribute to shoulder discomfort. Hence, it is important to understand the root cause of the pain to consult a chiropractor for neck and shoulder pain treatment.

    • Rotator Cuff Injuries – Rotator cuff injuries occur when you overuse or perform repetitive overhead motions. It can strain your shoulder muscles and tissues. These injuries slowly lead to dull ache or striking pain in the shoulder. It signals damage to the rotator cuff tendons.

    • Muscle Strains – Shoulder muscle strains occur when the muscles and soft tissues around the shoulder are injured. It differs from sprains, as the condition affects ligaments. These strains often result from acute injury impacting the shoulder tendons and muscles. Taking treatment from a chiropractor for neck and shoulder pain can significantly reduce your discomfort.

    • Shoulder Impingement – Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when your shoulder tendons rub against the bones or surrounding tissues. The condition can lead to severe pain and restricted movement when lifting the arm overhead. The symptoms often worsen at night and when lying on the affected side.

    • Poor Posture – Poor posture can cause shoulder pain by overstressing the muscles. You may experience conditions such as shoulder impingement. The space in your shoulder joint narrows, irritating tendons and the bursa. It happens due to prolonged sitting or a stagnant lifestyle, weakening the back muscles. Bad postures also imbalance your upper back and shoulder muscles.

    • Frozen Shoulder – You may get bad shoulder pain when the adhesive capsulitis thickens and tightens the joint capsule. It causes severe pain and notable stiffness. There will be issues such as problems with external rotation and limitations in reaching behind the back. Frozen shoulder can gradually disturb your sleep and daily life. An expert chiropractor for shoulder pain uses gentle mobilization to accentuate rotation without imposing a range of motion.

    • Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis or Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint can cause stiffness. When you suffer from pain, you will have reduced mobility. The cartilage that protects your shoulder bones can wear down over time. It can result in inflammation and movement-related pain.

    • Bursitis – It is commonly caused when the bursae, or the fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder, become inflamed. Repeated strain or injury to the muscle can cause Bursitis. You may also experience swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the shoulder joint.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Shoulder Pain?

By now, you have a basic idea about the reasons behind getting stabbing pain in your shoulders. It might have made you think about the treatment methods and be curious about the professional to approach.

It leads to the next important question: Can a chiropractor help with neck pain and shoulder discomfort?
The answer is yes. Chiropractors are the most appropriate experts for mechanical causes such as poor posture, impingement, or rotator cuff strain.

They target the root issues like joint misalignment, muscle imbalance, and nerve irritation with drug-free adjustments and exercises.

Here’s how a shoulder pain chiropractor addresses the root cause of the discomfort:

• Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization is a hands-on treatment performed by chiropractors to address musculoskeletal issues. It involves applying targeted pressure on a stiff, painful, or compromised joint.

The expert applies force in the direction of the tightness. The pressure becomes more gentle and oscillates. It can also be more forceful and abrupt, depending on the technique used. Joint Mobilization relieves pain caused by conditions like arthritis or frozen shoulder.

• Spinal Alignment

It is important to understand that shoulder pain doesn’t localize to the shoulder joint. Instead, it is often related to the problems in the upper back and spine. Subluxations or misalignments of the cervical and thoracic spine can cause shoulder pain.

Chiropractic spinal adjustments target these misalignments. The technique helps to restore proper alignment and reduce nerve irritation. It also improves the blood flow to the affected area. A chiropractor helps alleviate your shoulder pain and accelerate healing using spinal alignment.

They put gentle manipulations on the spine and shoulder joint to restore proper movement. The right pressure on the surrounding tissues effectively enhances the scapulohumeral rhythm.

• Posture Correction

Good posture is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy musculoskeletal system. When it comes to posture correction, a chiropractor can play a vital role.

Poor posture prevents your body weight from distributing evenly. A misaligned body can lead to highly strained ligaments and muscles, which can put pressure on your nerves. It can lead to stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion.

A chiropractor assesses your posture to identify the root cause of the imbalances. Based on the assessment, the expert will offer gentle adjustments to reposition the vertebrae in your spine. The suggestions for chiropractic shoulder adjustment also include exercises, spinal adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.

• Cold and Heat Therapy

A chiropractor for shoulder pain uses cold and heat therapy to manage your pain and inflammation. Cryotherapy (Cold therapy) helps reduce numbness and swelling in the acute phase. Heat therapy or thermotherapy is ideal for relaxing tense muscles.

The technique also improves blood circulation in the chronic phase. A chiropractor often starts with ice for new injuries, then moves to heat, or alternates between the two to promote blood flow.

Alternating between hot and cold therapy is an effective way to manage shoulder pain. It reduces spasms and speeds healing.

• Exercise and Rehabilitation

Chiropractic physical therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries through rehabilitation techniques. These experts often recommend specific exercises to effectively strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.

These actions improve stability and strengthen the rotator cuff, upper back, and chest muscles. With regular exercise, you can reduce your pain, avoid future injuries, and enhance your shoulder function.

A customized rehabilitation program can further help correct muscle imbalances and improve joint mobility. As the muscles relax, you reduce the likelihood of suffering from chronic pain.

• Soft Tissue Therapy

Chiropractors often use soft-tissue techniques such as myofascial release, massage therapy, and trigger-point therapy to reduce muscle tension. These therapies help relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

The technique promotes faster healing and offers pain relief. In soft tissue therapy, a chiropractor uses several non-invasive techniques to improve circulation, break up adhesions, and support the body’s natural healing.

These methods involve putting gentle stretching, pressure, or equipment-assisted techniques to promote healthy tissue repair.

Benefits of Getting Treatment from a Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can make completing even the simplest task difficult. Gradually, it starts affecting your ability to sleep, work, or exercise comfortably.

In the search for an instant remedy, you may get confused about whether to choose a massage or a chiropractor for neck and shoulder pain. While massage may provide temporary relaxation, it often doesn’t address the deeper structural issues.

In contrast, chiropractic care focuses on correcting misalignments and restoring proper function. The technique offers longer-lasting and more effective relief.

Below are the top benefits of receiving chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain.

• Supports Injury Recovery for Neck and Shoulder

A chiropractor for neck stiffness and shoulder pain plays a vital role in helping you recover from injuries caused by accidents or sports activities.

By using manual adjustments, targeted mobilization, and therapeutic exercises, chiropractors help improve shoulder movement. The techniques also reduce neck inflammation for maximum comfort.

With proper care, your body heals more efficiently and prevents lingering issues that can develop when injuries go untreated.

• Effective Pain Management Without Medication

Will chiropractic help with shoulder pain without harsh medication? It is a common concern for individuals who are on the lookout for a drug-free remedy.

Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free approach to managing neck and shoulder pain. Instead of relying solely on medication, chiropractors focus on addressing the underlying cause of discomfort.

They use techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft-tissue work, and rehabilitative exercises to release tension and improve alignment. With their unique approach, you can achieve lasting relief without medication.

• Restores Proper Functioning

Restoring functional movement is a core strength of chiropractic shoulder care. The primary reason for your restricted movement and weakened shoulder muscles is misalignment of the cervical spine or shoulder joints.
A professional can correct these issues, helping enhance your mobility, flexibility, and strength. They know the core issues and address the underlying mechanics of the neck and shoulder. Chiropractors ensure that both areas function efficiently.

• Prevents Chronic Conditions from Returning

A chiropractor seeks a solution that has a long-term impact. They help you maintain good posture, reducing the risk of recurring neck and shoulder pain. To achieve this, they may recommend solutions like specific exercises and ways to improve body mechanics.

Their proactive approach strengthens your supportive muscles, enhances joint stability, and ensures better alignment. When you follow their advice, you reduce the risk of recurring issues.

• Enhances Physical Performance

Getting treated by a chiropractor can improve your physical performance. These experts enhance your posture, joint mobility, and muscular balance.

It is ideal for athletes or physically active individuals looking to improve overall performance.  Better alignment in the shoulder region will effectively enhance their strength output, improve endurance, and reduce tension.

• Offers a Holistic Approach

The best part of chiropractic care is that it addresses your entire body. These experts analyze your surrounding structures, lifestyle habits, and posture.

They also analyze your movement patterns to identify the issues causing the problems. Their holistic approach provides comprehensive care. With proper care and treatment, you will get long-term healing and support for overall wellness.

Get the Best Care for Shoulder and Neck Pain at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center

Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain? The answer is yes. These experts specialize in addressing the root cause of your shoulder and neck discomfort.

With their specialized treatment methods, they can cure pain caused by muscle imbalances, joint misalignment, and poor posture. They use methods such as soft-tissue therapy and spinal adjustments, and they suggest rehabilitative exercises to offer long-term benefits.

With proper care, you relieve pain, restore mobility, improve strength, and prevent future issues. At Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center, we ensure that you get the right treatment for your shoulder pain.
Our team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Even if you are dealing with back issues, we use the latest chiropractic techniques to relieve sciatica pain and promote healing.

No matter the cause of your injury, we use drug-free methods that allow your body to heal naturally.

With us, you will receive non-invasive solutions that reduce inflammation and help the nervous system operate optimally.

So don’t let your shoulder or neck pain hold you back anymore.

Book your consultation today to find lasting relief for your pain.

Dr. Norgaard’s first exposure to chiropractic was when he was a high school football player at Neuqua Valley in Naperville, Illinois. Nagging injuries led him to Action Chiropractic and Dr. Durnas. He was amazed with the results he got and knew that the treatments provided at Action Chiropractic were the best way to address his ailments.
After high school, Dr. Norgaard left Naperville and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. While at Central, he majored in biology and played football, further piquing his interest in sports injuries and how to treat them. When he wasn’t in the classroom or on the football field, Dr. Norgaard spent his time volunteering at hospitals, and at various clinics. This is when he really developed a passion for helping people get better.
His experiences as an athlete, chiropractic patient, and volunteer shaped his decision to become a chiropractor.
After graduating from Central, Dr. Norgaard continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
While at Palmer, Dr. Norgaard took several extracurricular courses focusing on spinal diagnosis and therapy, soft tissue care, and diagnosis and treatment of the extremities. He completed a 4-month internship with Dr. Durnas at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center and further developed his skills as a physician.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Palmer in October of 2021 and received the Academic Excellence Award.
After graduation, Dr. Norgaard joined the team at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center. He currently resides in the Naperville area with his wife, Shannon, son, Parker, and dog, Alby.
“I chose to become a chiropractor because I was helped by chiropractic. I was in such discomfort it took me over 3 minutes to put on my socks. After seeing a chiropractor, and regaining the ability to tie my shoes, I realized that taking loads of NSAIDs did not address the fact that there was something causing the pain. The more I learned about it, I found that Chiropractic doesn’t just hide symptoms, like I was trying to do with pills, it fixes the origin of the problem.”
Dr. Durnas graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and Bachelors of Arts degree in Chemistry. After graduation he worked in research and development for 3 years and dabbled in powerlifting and professional wrestling. That’s what lead him to chiropractic school. While at Palmer College of Chiropractic, he focused on learning how to best help the athlete. He took several extracurricular courses on how to address soft tissue injuries, how to adjust extremities, and how to better manage sports injuries. He graduated in June of 2012, where we were the Palmer Clinical Excellence Award winner and a keynote speaker at commencement.
In 2019, Dr. Durnas earned his Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)®. He is only the 427th chiropractor in history to earn this designation, and only the 6th recipient in the history of Illinois. He completed over 300 hours of classroom and online courses focusing on in depth on the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, concussions, and emergency procedures, and had over 100 on the field hours with athletes that ranged from cross fitters, professional and high school football players, professional BMX and Motocross riders, triathletes, and runners. Dr. Durnas passed a 6-part practical exam and a 250 question Board exam and contributed a case study involving nerve damage in a professional athlete following a hit to the shoulder.