It is a common belief that if you are not in pain, there is nothing wrong with you. This can be far from the truth, and you would be amazed what you will become used to and perceive as being normal. Pain is actually the last symptom to appear & the first to leave. Therefore, it is not a good indicator of how your spine is functioning. Continuing treatment for a chronic condition may continue to provide benefit and also prevent recurrence of the problem.The shoulder allows the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. This is due to the four tendons which stabilise the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket. However, this great range of motion tends to make us susceptible to shoulder pain.
Shoulder sprains, strains and dislocations are very common, and are often caused by sports activities that involve excessive overhead motion like swimming, tennis, throwing and weightlifting.
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include aching on the side and upper arm, or aching in the top and front of the shoulder. Treatment of the shoulder usually involves soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, ice-pack treatment, and strengthening exercises as described by Puentedure et.al1.
Shoulder Pain – Injuries
Shoulder injuries need careful attention even to a highly trained professional it is not always easy to determine what the cause of the shoulder pain is. If the shoulder injury is not properly diagnosed, incorrect treatment can be administered, which will affect the recovery of the shoulder.
There are some symptoms to look out for in shoulder injuries. If you experience shoulder pain while…
- resting
- pain lasting for more than a few days
- inability to raise the arm or carry objects
- swelling or bruising on the joint, or
- redness and warmth in the area
… you should consult Back to Basics Chiropractic ASAP.
There is always the possibility that the pain felt in the shoulder could be referred pain or spinal damage felt through connecting nerves. A chiropractor can examine all areas to determine where the problem is coming from.
Some of the different types of shoulder injury include:
- rotator cuff tendonitis – compressed tendons in the shoulder ridge
- dislocation – separation of the top of the arm bone from the scapula
- frozen shoulder – leading to joint stiffness
- bursitis – inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone or skin)
- rotator cuff tears – separation of the rotator cuff from the bone
- calcific tendonitis – calcium deposits occurring within the tendon
- biceps tendon rupture – a rupture of the tendon of the biceps near the shoulder joint
1. J Man ManipTher. 2011 Nov;19(4):201-11. doi: 10.1179/106698111X13129729551985. Clinical presentation and manual therapy for upper quadrant musculoskeletal conditions. Isabel de-la-Llave-Rincón A, Puentedura EJ, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C.
Shoulder FAQs
Common causes include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or muscle strain. It can also stem from poor posture, repetitive movements, or referred pain from the neck or upper back. Persistent pain, swelling, limited range of motion, or weakness should be assessed. If the pain follows an injury or is accompanied by numbness or tingling, seek medical advice. Sudden shoulder pain with chest symptoms could indicate a heart issue. Yes, poor posture can lead to muscular imbalances and strain the shoulder joint. Slouching or forward head posture can tighten chest muscles and weaken upper back muscles, contributing to pain and dysfunction over time. Symptoms include dull aching pain, difficulty lifting the arm, weakness, and pain when reaching behind the back. These injuries may develop suddenly or over time with repeated overhead motions or heavy lifting. Initial care may involve rest, ice, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Manual therapy or targeted exercise can help restore movement and reduce pain. Chronic or severe injuries might need injections or surgery depending on the cause. It depends on the type and severity of the injury. Gentle range-of-motion exercises may help, but avoid activities that cause sharp or worsening pain. Consult a healthcare provider for a safe rehabilitation plan. Yes, stress often leads to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulder area. This tension can cause aching or stiffness. Relaxation techniques and regular stretching may help relieve symptoms caused by emotional or physical stress. Recovery varies based on the cause. Minor strains may improve in a few days to weeks, while more serious injuries may take months. Timely treatment, rest, and appropriate rehabilitation play a big role in healing. Follow the recommended exercises, maintain good posture, apply ice or heat as advised, and avoid activities that strain the shoulder. What causes shoulder pain?
How do I know if shoulder pain is serious?
Can posture affect shoulder pain?
What are common signs of a rotator cuff injury?
What treatments help shoulder pain?
Should I exercise with shoulder pain?
Can stress contribute to shoulder pain?
How long does it take for shoulder pain to heal?
What should I do between chiropractic sessions to manage shoulder pain?
