Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints that brings people to a healthcare professional. It can stem from various conditions, ranging from muscle tension to chronic joint issues, and it often impacts daily activities such as lifting, driving, or even sleeping. If you’re experiencing ongoing shoulder discomfort, understanding the potential causes and treatment options is the first step toward relief.

This post will explain the leading causes of shoulder pain and explore how chiropractic care and functional medicine practices can provide effective solutions. Whether you’ve recently started noticing mild discomfort or have been struggling with chronic pain for years, these insights will help you better understand your condition and take steps toward recovery.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. This complexity makes it incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of motion—but it also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury and strain. Below are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow it to move freely. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as strains, tears, or tendinitis, are among the most frequent sources of shoulder pain.

• Symptoms: Dull aching deep in the shoulder, limited mobility, and discomfort when lifting objects.

• Causes: Repetitive motion, age-related wear and tear, or acute injuries from heavy lifting or falling.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue inside the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickens, restricting movement.

• Symptoms: Stiffness, severe pain, and difficulty performing basic tasks like reaching overhead.

• Causes: Often linked to a period of shoulder immobility due to surgery, stroke, or injury.

3. Shoulder Impingement

This condition occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become compressed (impinged) due to swelling or bone spurs.

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting your arm, weakness, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.

• Causes: Overuse from activities like swimming, pitching, or weightlifting.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is another common cause. This degenerative condition wears down the cartilage cushioning the joint, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and potential grinding or clicking sounds with movement.

• Causes: Frequently caused by aging, previous injuries, or long-term overuse.

5. Referred Pain

Sometimes, the issue doesn’t originate in the shoulder itself. Referred pain occurs when discomfort in another area of the body (such as the neck or chest) manifests as shoulder pain.

• Symptoms: Pain without localized tenderness or swelling in the shoulder joint.

• Causes: Can result from conditions like cervical spine issues or even heart problems, requiring further investigation.

How Chiropractic Care Can Alleviate Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the body’s musculoskeletal system. For shoulder pain, chiropractors employ a variety of techniques to address the root cause of discomfort, rather than simply treating symptoms. Here’s how chiropractic care may help:

1. Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic Adjustment)

Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the cervical and thoracic areas, can indirectly contribute to shoulder pain. Chiropractors adjust the spine to optimize its positioning, which can alleviate referred pain and reduce strain on the shoulder joint.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Chiropractors often use soft tissue manipulation techniques to target muscle tension, adhesions, and trigger points that contribute to shoulder discomfort. This therapy improves blood flow to affected areas, accelerating the healing process.

3. Joint Mobilization

Shoulder pain caused by stiffness, whether from frozen shoulder or arthritis, can benefit from gentle joint mobilization techniques. Chiropractors use controlled movements to improve the flexibility and functionality of the shoulder.

4. Corrective Exercises

A significant part of chiropractic care involves providing patients with exercises that strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint for better support. These exercises also help improve range of motion and prevent future injuries.

5. Posture Correction

Poor posture, such as forward-rounded shoulders or slouching, can place strain on the shoulder joint over time. Chiropractors educate patients on proper posture and functional movement techniques to reduce stress on the shoulder.

How Functional Medicine Practices Complement Chiropractic Care

While chiropractic care addresses the structural causes of shoulder pain, functional medicine focuses on the underlying factors that contribute to inflammation and joint discomfort. Together, these two approaches form a comprehensive treatment plan. Here’s how functional medicine can support healing:

1. Nutritional Support

Certain foods can either reduce or exacerbate inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners work with patients to create anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole foods while minimizing processed and inflammatory foods.

2. Supplements

Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, magnesium, and turmeric (curcumin) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend specific supplements to support joint health.

3. Stress Management

Chronic stress can amplify pain through increased cortisol levels. Functional medicine incorporates stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture to promote overall well-being and pain relief.

4. Comprehensive Testing

Functional medicine often involves thorough testing to identify specific imbalances or deficiencies contributing to shoulder pain. Hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, or Vitamin D deficiencies, for instance, may be factors.

5. Holistic Therapies

Modalities like cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and massage therapy can complement chiropractic care and aid in reducing pain and inflammation.

A Path to Recovery

Shoulder pain can disrupt even the simplest of daily tasks, making it essential to address the root cause rather than masking symptoms with temporary fixes. Chiropractic care and functional medicine provide a holistic, non-invasive approach to healing, combining structural alignment with nutritional and lifestyle support to promote lasting relief.

Don’t ignore your shoulder pain. Early intervention can prevent conditions from worsened outcomes and support your ability to live an active, pain-free life. If you’re experiencing troubling shoulder discomfort, consider booking an appointment with a Dr. Quintana to explore personalized solutions.