When our shoulders become sore, stiff, or lose flexibility, we typically notice, since most of us rely on healthy shoulders for numerous daily activities. Due to this heavy reliance, shoulder dysfunction is common, even among those who lead an inactive lifestyle.
The causes of shoulder pain vary, as does the severity. However, no matter how harmless your discomfort appears initially, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure there’s nothing substantially wrong with the shoulder joint or surrounding tissues.
This post discusses three common causes of shoulder pain and how to safely and naturally treat them with chiropractic care and other conservative methods.
Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?
The shoulder is an intricate structure comprising a dynamic joint and numerous bones and soft tissues. When these components work together, the shoulder allows us to achieve an impressive range of motion.
Should the shoulder’s structure become compromised, though, mobility and comfort are typically strained, hindering your routine. Learning the reason for your shoulder pain is vital to your recovery and helps to avoid re-injury.
Repetitive Motions
Whether you use repetitive motion in your job, workout routine, sport, or hobby, you may experience shoulder pain. Overusing the shoulder joint can cause inflammation, arthritis, and tissue and cartilage damage, all creating pain and limiting movement.
While you may not be able to avoid the activities that consistently utilize the shoulder, you can minimize the strain on the shoulder.
Tips to care for your shoulder during and after repetitive motion:
- Keep your shoulders strong and flexible through daily exercise and stretching
- Don’t push through pain, discontinue activities that you know are harming the shoulder, and seek chiropractic care
- Adhere to proper warm-ups and cool-downs before and after physical activity, games, sports, or exercise
- Wear a shoulder brace or wrap during activities that require active shoulder use to support and stabilize the joint
- Massage the shoulder tissues to reduce stress and pressure and activate healthy blood flow
Poor Ergonomics
Correct ergonomics is a must if you work on a computer daily and for extended hours. This is especially important if you work from home and don’t have an office or conventional workspace.
If you’re not cognizant of posture and workspace setup while typing, mousing, or even simply sitting, you may put undue pressure on the shoulder joint and tissues, causing damage.
Chair
- Ensure you have lower back (lumbar) support that complements the spine
- Ensure your seat height allows your feet to be flat on the floor and knees to rest at 90 degrees, as your hips sit a bit lower than them
- Ensure armrests are adjusted so your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle and your shoulders can remain relaxed
Monitor
- Ensure your monitor is directly in front of you (so you don’t have to turn your head to see it) and about an arm’s length away
- Ensure the top of the monitor screen is sitting at about eye level or just under
- Ensure lighting is appropriate so you don’t strain your eyes or jut your head forward
Keyboard and mouse
- Ensure the keyboard and mouse are easy to reach and allow you to keep neutral wrists and forearms (straight and aligned, not tilted up or down)
- Ensure elbows can remain bent at a 90-degree angle
Pro tips:
- Take regular breaks from sitting to avoid too much sedentary behavior and improve circulation
- Stretch as needed, including toe touches, head circles, and shoulder circles
- If you have regularly used personal or office items, keep them close so you’re not constantly stretching or straining to use them
An Injury
Whether you have an old rotator cuff injury from college baseball, scroll on your smartphone excessively, or have been in a recent car accident, your shoulder may be in pain due to trauma.
Your local chiropractor will help determine the nature of your injury and create a unique healing strategy that supports recovery and strengthening with natural solutions.
You’ll also receive tips on proactively caring for your shoulder to discourage further pain and harm.
Partner with Our San Antonio Chiropractic Clinic for Shoulder Comfort, Health, & Function
Regular activity and trauma can strain the shoulder joint, muscles, and tendons, causing disorders and discomfort. While you may not be able to discontinue your activities, you can learn how to manage them better so you can protect your shoulder.
We offer many chiropractic and wellness solutions supporting shoulder function and health, allowing you to safely and responsibly return to your routine.
Our chiropractic services that relieve shoulder pain and injuries associated with it include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- The Graston Technique
- Dry needling
- Myofascial release
- Laser therapy
- Massage therapy
- Sports rehabilitation
These methods can treat numerous shoulder injuries and conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder impingement
- AC joint separation
- Biceps tendon tear
- Frozen shoulder
- Sprains and strains
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
Our San Antonio chiropractor will review key lifestyle factors and offer personalized guidance on everything from exercises and stretches to stress management, ergonomics, and weight control, equipping you with the tools you need to support your health actively.
If you’re ready to live pain-free again, let’s get started.
Book your appointment with our San Antonio chiropractic clinic today!