Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can hold you back from enjoying everyday activities and participating in sports or work that matters to you. Many experience discomfort that limits movement and makes even simple tasks a struggle. Research shows that shoulder pain does not fade with age; it stays common in workers over 50 and tends to grow in jobs that demand physical effort. Some of this pain comes from issues in the neck and upper back, areas that lose mobility as years pass. When these areas become stiff, the shoulder can suffer as well.

Shoulder pain may stem from more than just wear and tear. Studies have pointed out that joint problems combined with muscle pain around the shoulder create a situation that many treatments do not fully address. One study found that adjustments to the spine and shoulder led to a faster improvement in pain than standard physiotherapy in some cases. Another report showed that careful work on the cervical region produced noticeable gains in hand strength and restored movement, suggesting that the pain might come from misalignments and restrictions higher up in the body.

I have a patient named Beth, a special education teacher, mom, and swimmer. She experienced shoulder pain during her swim workouts. The pain grew so severe that it forced her to stop swimming, and she felt disappointed at the thought of missing her chance to compete at the New England Masters Swimming Championships at Harvard. After a series of chiropractic adjustments, Beth’s shoulder pain eased and her range of motion returned. Soon, she found herself back in the pool, enjoying her workouts and even competing at Harvard. Her story shows that restoring proper alignment in the neck and shoulder can help bring back the freedom to move and enjoy life.

When shoulder pain makes daily life difficult, a visit to a trusted chiropractor in Cranston, RI can offer a way forward. A skilled chiropractor can examine your neck and shoulder to uncover areas of tightness or misalignment. Adjustments can improve movement and reduce pain, making it possible to return to activities you once enjoyed. Taking action now might help you avoid more serious limitations in the future. You deserve the chance to live life without the constant drag of shoulder pain.

References:
Hodgetts CJ, Leboeuf-Yde C, Beynon A, Walker BF. Shoulder pain prevalence by age and within occupational groups: a systematic review. Arch Physiother. 2021 Nov 4;11(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s40945-021-00119-w. Erratum in: Arch Physiother. 2022 Jan 10;12(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s40945-021-00127-w. PMID: 34736540; PMCID: PMC8567712.Link

Ferguson LW. Treating shoulder dysfunction and “frozen shoulder.” Chiropractic Technique, 1995; 7:73-81.

Freeley KM. Conservative chiropractic care of frozen shoulder syndrome: a case study. Chiropr Res J. 1992; 2(2):31-37.

Winters JC, Sobel JS, Groenier KH, Arendzen HJ, Meyboom-de Jong B. Comparison of physiotherapy, manipulation, and corticosteroid injection for treating shoulder complaints in general practice: randomised, single blind study. BMJ. 1997 May 3;314(7090):1320-5. doi: 10.1136/bmj.314.7090.1320. PMID: 9158469; PMCID: PMC2126546.Link

Sobel JS, Winters JC, Groenier K, Arendzen JH, Meyboom de Jong B. Physical examination of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle in patients with shoulder complaints. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 May;20(4):257-62. PMID: 9168410.Link