Shoulder pain is one of the most functionally limiting conditions a person can deal with. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which means when something goes wrong with it, almost every movement of the arm and upper body is affected. Getting dressed, reaching overhead, sleeping on your side, and driving can all become painful and difficult when the shoulder is not functioning correctly.
What makes shoulder pain particularly challenging to treat is that the source of the pain is not always in the shoulder itself. Cervical spine problems, particularly disc injuries and nerve compression in the neck, frequently refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm in a pattern that can be mistaken for a local shoulder problem. Identifying the true source of shoulder pain is the critical first step in treating it effectively.
Dr. Jeff Brown has been evaluating and treating shoulder pain in Greenville for over 40 years. His thorough diagnostic approach ensures that the cause of your shoulder pain is correctly identified before any treatment begins.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can originate from several different structures and is frequently the result of more than one contributing factor.
Common causes include:
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Rotator cuff strains and tears
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Shoulder joint misalignment
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Bursitis and tendinitis
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Cervical disc herniation referring pain into the shoulder
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Pinched nerves in the cervical spine producing shoulder and arm symptoms
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Frozen shoulder and adhesive capsulitis
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AC joint sprains from falls or impact
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Auto accident injuries affecting the shoulder and cervical spine
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Repetitive overhead work or athletic activity
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Poor posture creating chronic strain on the shoulder musculature
The Cervical Spine Connection
A significant number of patients who present with shoulder pain have a cervical spine component that is contributing to or driving their symptoms. The nerves that control sensation and function in the shoulder and arm originate in the cervical spine, and compression or irritation of those nerve roots can produce pain, weakness, and numbness that feels like it is coming from the shoulder itself.
Dr. Brown examines both the shoulder and the cervical spine in patients presenting with shoulder pain to ensure that any spinal component is identified and included in the treatment plan. Treating the shoulder alone when the problem originates in the neck produces incomplete results.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain
Treatment for shoulder pain at Brown Chiropractic Center is based on the findings of a thorough examination of both the shoulder and the cervical spine. Depending on the source and nature of your condition, care may include cervical chiropractic adjustments to address any spinal component contributing to shoulder symptoms, shoulder joint adjustments and mobilization when the joint itself is involved, cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the rotator cuff and surrounding soft tissue, therapeutic ultrasound for deep tissue healing in the shoulder, high voltage galvanism for pain control and muscle relaxation, and cervical traction when nerve root compression is a contributing factor.
Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
Shoulder injuries are common in car accidents, particularly when the driver or passenger braced for impact or was struck from the side. The combination of cervical spine trauma and direct shoulder injury that frequently occurs in auto accidents requires a thorough evaluation of both areas. If your shoulder pain began following a car accident, Dr. Brown works directly with personal injury cases and can provide the documentation your claim requires.
When to Seek Care
Shoulder pain that is limiting your range of motion, affecting your sleep, or has not improved on its own within a few days warrants professional evaluation. Dr. Brown will give you a clear picture of what is causing your pain and an honest recommendation about what chiropractic care can do for your specific situation.
