Shoulder pain is very common, resulting in 1.2 million ER visits annually. Approximately 16% of adults have active shoulder pain, more prevalent in 45-64 year olds, but 15-24 year olds have more acute injuries. 25% of people experience recurring shoulder pain, and up to 50% have persistent pain for longer than 12 months. Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, sports injuries, and work-related injuries make up the majority of shoulder issues. Symptoms include impingement, stiffness, and pain.
The shoulder complex comprises 3 bones – the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus, and 4 joints – the glenohumeral, sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic. The supporting soft tissue that surrounds the shoulder is the rotator cuff (made up of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis). The shoulder is the most movable joint, allowing flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, and internal and external rotation. It is supported by soft tissue, which is why it is most susceptible to injury. There are also 5 ligaments associated with the shoulder complex, as well as 17 muscles, including the rotator cuff muscles (4) and the scapula muscles (13).
Besides an obvious trauma to the shoulder, like a blunt force or fall, shoulder injuries can result from subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae) in the cervical and thoracic areas, specifically C6-T4. Spinal subluxations must be addressed first before evaluating the shoulder itself. The scapula plays a major role in stabilizing the shoulder complex and can contribute to shoulder issues. The other shoulder joints (glenohumeral, sternoclavicular, and acromioclavicular) can also misalign and must be evaluated. Repetitive motion and overuse, improper motion, poor posture, and degenerative conditions like arthritis, frozen shoulder, and bursitis can all cause shoulder pain.
Pain relievers just mask the pain without fully addressing the cause of the shoulder injury. Furthermore, pain relievers have side effects. Surgery may help in rare cases, but it carries the risk of nerve damage, continued stiffness, and re-injury, as well as complications from the surgery. Conservative treatments like chiropractic have long-term functional results, address the cause of the injury, and don’t carry the risk of complications. Chiropractic is the best approach for shoulder injuries because chiropractors address the underlying cause, which is typically a neck or upper back subluxation or a subluxation of one of the shoulder joints. Chiropractors correct misalignments and address the issues or habits that may have caused the injury in the first place, such as poor posture or repetitive use.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes consultation with your doctor, thorough chiropractic examination and customized plan of action. Excludes Medicare.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Discover The Root Cause
Instead of chasing symptoms, we take time to find out why you’re experiencing them. Our thorough exam helps reveal the underlying issues so we can address them with confidence.
2. Your Goals. Our Findings.
We combine your goals, your lifestyle and your expectations with our clinical findings to build a clear, personalized plan aligned with where you want to go.
3. Become A Stronger, Healthier Version Of You
With consistent, corrective-focused care, you don’t just feel better—you function better. We’re here to help you rebuild your health from within and be your best self.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain In Westford, MA
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
As a new patient at our chiropractic office, we will start with a thorough consultation and history. Our chiropractic exam consists of a posture analysis using the Posture Screen, a thermography scan, instrumentation to detect heat and nerve irritation, static and motion palpation, and full-spine digital x-rays. We then schedule you for a follow-up appointment called the Report of Findings. If a patient presents with extremity complaints such as shoulder pain, we make sure to address them by palpating the shoulder, checking range of motion and stability, and then taking the appropriate X-rays. Our exam process is very comprehensive and detailed to help us get to the root cause of the problem so we can give you the best care going forward.
Digital X-rays
X-rays are important for shoulder pain, primarily to rule out dislocation or fracture, and also to provide helpful information about misalignments in the shoulder joints. 85% of shoulder subluxations are anterior and inferior (AI) misalignments of the humerus. X-rays can show fractures and dislocations, as previously mentioned, but also calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendon and acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury. X-rays are not dangerous; they are very safe and provide very helpful information. They also help practitioners create an effective treatment plan by identifying the actual problem rather than guessing.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Westford, MA
A subluxation is a misalignment of a spinal bone (vertebra) or extremity joint (for example, the shoulder). These misalignments irritate the nerves, resulting in dysfunction, loss of movement, degeneration, and pain. The nerves in the lower cervical spine and upper thoracic spine (C6-T4) primarily innervate the shoulder complex. Subluxations in this region must be detected and corrected first before assessing and adjusting the joints of the shoulder.
Poor posture, such as forward head posture, can round the shoulders, pull the shoulder joint forward, and cause anterior and inferior subluxation of the humerus. An anterior and inferior humerus is the most common shoulder joint subluxation. Additionally, subluxations in the neck and upper back from constantly looking at phone and computer screens can lead to misalignments of the shoulder joint. Specific adjustments of the spine correct these misalignments, restoring proper nerve flow and function. As mentioned previously, the nerves that innervate the shoulder come from the lower neck and upper back. Specific adjustments can also be done on the shoulder itself, restoring proper motion and stability. This is what makes chiropractic care superior to conventional care, which is typically pain medication or surgery. Chiropractors address the root cause of shoulder issues.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Westford, MA
Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act like cushions or padding. On the shoulder, there are the subscapularis and the subacromial bursae. They reduce friction between bones, tendons,s and muscles and also act like stabilizers. Bursitis is inflammation of these bursae that causes pain and swelling. On the shoulder, the most common cause is subacromial bursitis. Acute bursitis is caused by trauma to the shoulder, whereas chronic bursitis results from repetitive overhead movements.
You can prevent bursitis by minimizing repetitive overuse motions and strengthening the shoulder. Getting your spine checked by a chiropractor who is also trained in extremity adjusting can help with bursitis pain.
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is composed of 4 muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. We use the rotator cuff to make small movements of the shoulder and maintain correct alignment of the shoulder joint complex. The deltoid muscles overlay the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff injury feels very painful. Abduction of the arm and flexion and extension of the shoulder (overhead motion) causes pain, oftentimes sharp. The pain is worse at night.
An injury to the rotator cuff is caused by overuse, degeneration, or acute trauma, resulting in a tear or irritation of the rotator cuff muscles (80% of the time, the supraspinatus). In addition to pain, there is often weakness of the arm, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and decreased range of motion. The best way to heal a rotator cuff is to see a chiropractor who will evaluate the spine, correct subluxations, and adjust the shoulder joint complex.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. The most common is biceps tendonitis, which causes pain in the anterior shoulder. It feels like a sharp, pinpoint pain. Tendonitis is primarily caused by repetitive overuse, such as overhead activities (sports or work), but can also result from trauma (such as falling) or degeneration. Poor posture (forward head posture or tech neck) can also strain the shoulder tendons and lead to inflammation.
While trauma and injury can happen to anyone, avoiding repetitive movements, maintaining good posture, and strengthening the rotator cuff and upper back muscles can help prevent tendonitis. Also, a healthy, aligned spine and shoulder joint will reduce the risk of tendonitis. The best way to achieve a quick recovery is to have your spine checked first by a trained, specialized chiropractor, and then have your shoulder adjusted. Strengthening and rehabilitation exercises can also help with the recovery of shoulder tendonitis.
Sprain
A shoulder sprain is an overstretched or torn ligament (called a shoulder separation), whereas a shoulder strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons (usually the rotator cuff). A sprain is caused by trauma, such as a fall or direct blow, and a strain is caused by overuse, sudden overstretching, or lifting something heavy. Sprains are very painful, and a “popping” is often felt. A strain feels like a spasm, pain, stiffness, and often weakness. The treatment for both a sprain and a strain is the same: rest, ice, elevation, gentle stretching, and light movement. Mild cases resolve within a few weeks, but more severe injuries could take several weeks to months to heal.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can occur from prolonged immobility (from injury, stroke, or surgery), but can also be caused by other issues like diabetes, thyroid issues, and cardiovascular disease. Hormonal changes, specifically in perimenopause, can also cause frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is most common in women aged 40 to 60.
With frozen shoulder, the connective tissue thickens and contracts, causing pain, reduced use, and further stiffening. It feels like pain initially, then it feels “frozen” and stuck. The last stage is called “thawing,” and that could take years. Diagnosis involves examination of the shoulder joint, including observation, palpation, range of motion, and x-ray if necessary. The best way to relieve shoulder pain from a frozen shoulder is to see a chiropractor trained in extremity adjusting. Firstly, misalignments of the neck and spine (C5-T3 vertebrae) should be evaluated and corrected, and then the shoulder joint should be evaluated. An adjustment to correct shoulder misalignments can be performed, decreasing pain and improving range of motion.
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234 Littleton Rd Unit B Suite 1A, Westford, MA 01886
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Chiropractors can definitely help with shoulder pain. A chiropractor will first perform a thorough examination of the spine to check for misalignments in the neck or upper back, then examine the shoulder. Specific chiropractic adjustments are performed on the spine and the shoulder joint, relieving nerve pressure, improving range of motion, and enhancing stability.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
If you want a more conservative approach to your shoulder pain and get to the actual cause of your issues, a chiropractor will do that. The conventional medical approach typically involves pain relievers, a referral to a physical therapist, and sometimes even shoulder surgery.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
It can be very painful to sleep on the side where you have shoulder pain, so sleep on the opposite side or on your back. Using extra pillows can reduce pressure on the shoulder joint and prevent you from rolling on the painful or injured side.
Can I adjust my shoulders by myself?
No, you cannot adjust your shoulders by yourself. This would be quite difficult, and you could further injure yourself. Adjustments should never be performed on yourself; only a licensed chiropractor trained to perform specific extremity adjustments should do so.
Can a chiropractor help with a rotator cuff?
Yes, a chiropractor can help with rotator cuff injuries by first detecting and correcting subluxations in the spinal bones that innervate the shoulder and then doing specific adjustments to the shoulder joint. Chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive and help relieve pain, restore motion, and improve the strength and stability of the shoulder complex.
What can cause shoulder pain without an injury?
An injury to the shoulder can cause shoulder pain. Still, it can also result from degeneration (wear and tear) from overuse, bursitis, tendonitis, spinal subluxation, and even poor posture.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes consultation with your doctor, thorough chiropractic examination and customized plan of action. Excludes Medicare.