What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Your shoulder is very flexible, but it's also fragile. Pain in your shoulder can result from one of a number of causes. An irritated nerve in your neck, repeated overuse, or an injury, can cause inflammation and stiffness and make everyday activities painful.

Referred Pain
A vertebra in your neck that isn't moving properly can irritate a nerve and cause aching or pain in your neck, arm, or shoulder.

Bursitis
Overuse can inflame the bursa (the fluid-filled sac that protects the surface of the bones), causing pain and stiffness.

Rotator Cuff Problem
Injury to the tendons and muscles that connect your arm to your shoulder can cause pain with certain movements.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health-focusing not only on your shoulder but also on your lifestyle. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for your problem.

History
To help find the cause of your shoulder pain, you and your chiropractor discuss your symptoms, any prior injuries, your health history, and your lifestyle, including work-related and leisure activities.

Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests can help reveal the condition of your shoulder. Your chiropractor gently touches and moves your shoulder to check for tenderness, pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion in the joints.

Tests
As "blueprints" of your bones, x-rays can reveal other causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis, fractures, or joints that are out of place. If needed, other imaging tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), may be used to show detailed images of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue.

Diagnosis
Based on the results of your exam and tests, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend a treatment program to improve your shoulder's range of motion and reduce pain. If needed, your chiropractor also consults with or refers you to other medical specialists.

How Does A Chiropractor Treat Shoulder Pain?
Your doctor of chiropractic is trained to restore the health of your spine and shoulder. Adjustments and related treatments can help shoulder mobility and reduce pain.

Adjustments
Your treatment depends on the cause of your shoulder pain. To improve the range of motion in your shoulder, your chiropractor may gently stretch the tissue in your shoulder.

Related Treatment
Your chiropractor may suggest other types of treatment to reduce pain, restore range of motion, and regain strength. These may include electrical stimulation, ice or heat, ultrasound, trigger point therapy, or exercise. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do To Keep My Shoulder In Shape?
Listen to your body and stop doing thing that cause pain in your shoulder. Do any exercises your chiropractor suggests, such as the one below, to strengthen your shoulder.

Wings: Stand with your arms at your sides, elbows straight. Hold a hand weight or a can of soup in each hand. Turn your arms toward your body. Lift your arms to waist level and slightly forward. Then slowly lower them. Repeat 5-15 times.

Chiropractic Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular chiropractic exams. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to manage or prevent shoulder problems and maintain a healthier life.