5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Did you know that the shoulder is one of the biggest and most complex joints in the human body?

While a traumatic event or injury is typically the culprit of sudden shoulder pain, there are many other causes that can lead to tension and mobility issues.

Here are a few of the most common issues we see in the practice.

1. Rotator cuff injuries. This type of problem doesn’t always come from sudden trauma. In fact, years of wear and tear can lead to eventual rotator cuff tears. They typically occur in the dominant arm and are more common as you age.

2. Bursitis. All over your body, you have thin, sac-like structures called bursae, which help to keep soft tissues from rubbing against your bones. Sometimes, bursa can experience too much friction, which leads to inflammation and ultimately, pain.

3. Arthritis. This can occur in any joint in the body. When a person experiences shoulder pain without a known injury, it may be associated with osteoarthritis (mechanical wearing) or rheumatoid arthritis (a metabolic disorder).

4. Frozen shoulder. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this type of pain happens when the tissue surrounding the shoulder becomes tightened,scarred or adhesive/sticky, which restricts movement and makes function difficult.

5. Spine problems. That pain you feel in your shoulder may not actually be caused by a problem in your shoulder. Herniated discs and misaligned spinal bones especially in the area of the neck, can cause pain to occur in the arms, hands, and even shoulder.

At our practice, many people who come to us with shoulder complaints from all kinds of causes.  We assess each person’s unique circumstances and use natural, gentle adjustments to help them.  If you’re interested in finding out more about how chiropractic care may help you, contact us today.  There is never any obligation.