What Causes Shoulder Pain & Can I Safely Treat It?

Shoulder pain has many causes, and since it’s such a dynamic and often-used joint, it’s no wonder. Many of our daily movements involve proper shoulder function, so we tend to notice when it becomes painful, stiff, or loses mobility. 

Getting optimal treatment for your shoulder pain is important to achieving lasting comfort, so a proper diagnosis is paramount. Your local sports chiropractor can help find the exact cause of your shoulder discomfort, provide safe, noninvasive solutions, and give you insight on how to protect it in the future. 

Read on to learn more about what’s causing your shoulder pain and what you can do about it. 

Reasons for Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is made of bones, joints, and soft tissues that must work together to allow incredible flexibility and range of motion. When one area of the shoulder structure is compromised, it can limit mobility, cause pain, and force other areas to compensate.

Some of the most common reasons for shoulder pain include:

• Overhead lifting- frequent lifting of heavy objects above shoulder height

• Repetitive motion- activities like painting, throwing, or swimming

• Poor ergonomics- sitting at a desk with improper posture or keyboard or mouse placement

• Carrying heavy bags- overloading backpacks, bags, or purses on one shoulder

• Sleeping positions- sleeping on one side or with arms above the head

• Reaching overhead- frequently reaching for items in high cabinets or shelves

• Using smartphones or devices- prolonged texting and scrolling or holding the phone to the ear

• Sports injuries- contact sports and throwing or racket sports, such as baseball and tennis 

• Lifting weights- incorrect form during gym workouts, especially bench presses or shoulder presses

• Sudden movements- unexpected jerks or catching a falling object

• Household chores- cleaning windows, vacuuming, or scrubbing surfaces

• Carrying children- holding a child on one side of the body for long periods

• Gardening- pulling weeds, digging, or repetitive hand-tool use

• Driving- long periods with hands on the steering wheel without proper support

• Typing or computer use- extended computer use without armrest or shoulder support

These activities often strain the shoulder muscles, tendons, and joints, leading to discomfort. While you may be unable to avoid some of them, learning how to better protect yourself can help you prevent more serious shoulder injuries. 

Shoulder injuries and conditions that your sports chiropractor can treat include:

• Rotator cuff injury- a tear in the tendons or muscles around the shoulder joint

• Shoulder impingement- compression of the tendons in the shoulder

• AC joint separation- injury to the acromioclavicular joint, often caused by trauma

• Biceps tendon tear- partial or complete tear of the biceps tendon at the shoulder

• Frozen shoulder- stiffness and pain after a shoulder injury

• Sprains and strains- soft tissues that are stretched or torn

• Inflammation- when tissues become overly or chronically inflamed 

• Arthritis- a condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness

While some of these conditions may sound intimidating, if caught in time, they can be effectively treated using safe, noninvasive chiropractic methods. 

Visit Our Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic for Lasting Shoulder Pain Relief 

Our chiropractic team has the resources to find the cause of your shoulder pain and is dedicated to your healing process. We use a holistic approach to care, allowing us to treat the injury itself rather than focusing solely on the symptoms. 

Our chiropractic solutions have helped numerous types of patients with differing shoulder injuries and discomforts find efficient relief. 

Common chiropractic services we utilize to help end shoulder pain include:

• Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations 

• Deep tissue laser therapy  

• Dry needling

• Active Release Technique (ART) 

• Rehab exercises

• Kinesio tape 

• Cupping  

Our Lawrence sports chiropractor will also discuss all relevant lifestyle factors and provide guidance and insight on everything from exercises and stretches to stress management, and ergonomics to ensure you have the tools to proactively contribute to your good health.

Let our experienced Lawrence chiropractic care team help get your shoulder functioning so you can confidently return to your active lifestyle. Schedule your appointment today.