The shoulder is a ball and socket joint consisting of three bones – the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The humerus sits within a shallow socket located in the scapula called the glenoid cavity. This joint allows for a wide range of motion and provides stability to the shoulder. Approximately 70% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point. Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including an injury or degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. It can also be caused by muscular strains, overuse, or poor posture.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. This also means it is prone to injury and can easily be strained or overused. Poor posture, inadequate warm-up before physical activities, and repetitive actions such as typing on a computer or carrying bags can all lead to shoulder pain. Several muscles attach to and move the shoulder joint, making it easy for muscle problems to develop, including the rotator cuff, trapezius, and deltoid muscles. Weakness or tightness in any of these muscles can lead to pain and decreased range of motion.
Shoulder pain can refer to the neck or other areas in the body, such as the chest, forearm, and elbow. Pain can also refer from the shoulder to other areas, such as the forearm, elbow, or hand. Shoulder pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term). Acute shoulder pain is usually caused by a traumatic event such as an injury, while chronic shoulder pain is usually caused by degenerative joint disease or muscle problems. Research shows that 50% of shoulder pain cases resolve within 8-12 weeks with conservative treatment, 40% become chronic for longer than one year, and 10% become chronic for longer than two years. It is essential to seek chiropractic treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term pain and disability. The duration of treatment will depend on the cause of the pain in the shoulder and the severity of the symptoms.
At our clinic, we understand that shoulder pain is a complex condition and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Our experienced team of chiropractors is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain without surgery or medication. With an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you, we will work together to get your shoulder back to feeling its best. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can be sure that we will do our best to help you find relief, restore your shoulder health and get back to being pain-free. In addition to these treatments, we may suggest lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques to help you better manage your shoulder pain and prevent future flare-ups.
$139 New Patient Special
Includes Complimentary Consultation, Complete Set of Structural Correction Motion Images, Infrared Spinal Analysis, Triplaner Head & Posture Assessment, Orthopedic & Neurological Test, Your First Adjustment & Recommendation Conference
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Be Heard
Your story matters. If you feel unheard or frustrated by past short-sighted care, we listen deeply. Our comprehensive consultation gathers your complete history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We dedicate time to truly understand you and validate your experience, building the foundation of trust for lasting health.
2. See The Problem
We do not guess; we measure. We utilize objective, visual diagnostics like motion imaging (dynamic X-ray) and infrared thermography to identify the underlying structural cause of your pain. . This clarity helps you understand why previous treatments failed and the precise corrections required for lasting results.
3. Feel The Results
With your structural issue identified, we shift to the final phase: functional restoration. Adjustments are precise and guided by objective measurements, focusing on correcting structural deviations, not just symptoms. This systemic optimization leads to tangible benefits like diminished pain, better sleep, improved posture, and renewed confidence in daily activities.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain In Asheville, NC
We have a variety of treatments for shoulder pain in our clinic. Our treatment protocols take a holistic approach to address the underlying cause of your shoulder pain.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
We start with a comprehensive consultation and exam to determine the cause of your shoulder pain. A complete medical history, physical activity habits, and lifestyle are considered in determining the best course of treatment for your shoulder pain condition.
Digital X-rays
We use digital X-rays in our clinic to assess the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature for any misalignment, fractures, or other changes that may be causing your shoulder pain. The images help us create a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Asheville, NC
We also provide specific chiropractic care, such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy, to restore proper joint movement and reduce inflammation. We find that this is often the most effective treatment for shoulder pain. Chiropractic care optimizes the nervous system to accelerate healing and strengthens the musculoskeletal system to support proper daily function.
Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Work
Massage therapy and soft tissue work help relieve tension in the shoulder muscles, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. Most people who suffer from shoulder pain benefit greatly from massage therapy or soft tissue work. For instance, our experienced massage can relieve shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, and general shoulder pain.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
We also provide a customized exercise program to help our patients maintain and improve their shoulder health. We design your custom exercise plan to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility, range of motion, and coordination. Strengthening exercises are essential for long-term shoulder pain relief. Regularly taking your shoulder joint through its full range of motion is probably the cheapest and least intrusive treatment for shoulder pain.
Nutritional Supplementation
We also provide nutritional supplementation to support the body’s natural healing process. We offer supplements such as glucosamine, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy joint function.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Asheville, NC
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small sac that helps cushion and protects the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. Bursitis is caused by repetitive motions such as typing or throwing a ball but can also occur due to an injury or infection. Conventional treatment may recommend painkillers or surgery, but chiropractic’s natural approach can optimize the body for healing while decreasing inflammation and pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another potential cause of pain in the shoulder. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically includes lifestyle modifications such as exercise and weight loss.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and swelling in the shoulder joint. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to manage arthritis symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.
Sprain
Another possible cause of shoulder pain is a sprain. This occurs when the ligaments around the joint stretch too far, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Treatment for a sprain typically involves rest, ice, and a focus on reducing inflammation.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another common cause of pain in the shoulder, occurring when the tendons that connect the muscles to bones become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. Treatment for tendonitis usually involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes.
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues around the joint become unusually stiff and tight, which restricts movement and causes pain. Joint manipulation and mobilization techniques improve mobility and reduce restrictions to increase range of motion and decrease pain. Myofascial release and trigger point therapy may also reduce tension and promote relaxation of the surrounding tissues.
No matter what type of shoulder condition you are dealing with, it is essential to speak with a qualified medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Our team is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain so that you can get back to living life without discomfort.
Poor Posture
One of the leading causes of shoulder pain is poor posture. Poor posture can cause muscles to become tight and strained, leading to inflammation and pain in the shoulder. Poor posture can also increase the risk of injury. Other causes of pain in the shoulder include repetitive movements, stress, osteoarthritis, and trauma. If joint misalignment is causing your shoulder pain, the problem may not go away until we correct the misalignment. In this case, seeing a chiropractor can be beneficial. Chiropractors specialize in joint misalignment, and they may recommend stretches or exercises to help you gain a greater range of motion and reduce the pain. Finding and correcting the root cause of your shoulder pain is essential to enjoy long-term relief and prevent future injury. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment based on the cause of your pain, your individual needs and goals, and your comprehensive evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractors can help with pain in the shoulder. They specialize in adjusting the spine and joints to improve posture and reduce inflammation.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
It is good to speak with your doctor first if you are experiencing shoulder pain, as they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. If your shoulder pain persists, seeing a chiropractor for further assistance will be beneficial.
Why is my shoulder pain not going away?
You may just be treating the symptoms and not the underlying condition. Treating the symptoms with painkillers may temporarily mask the pain, but the instigating issue still exists, so the symptoms will return when the medication wears off.
What could shoulder pain be a sign of?
A variety of factors, such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis, can cause shoulder pain. It is important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
How do I stop severe shoulder pain?
A chiropractor will investigate the root cause of the problem to stop the pain at the source. We take a holistic approach that relieves the pain and prevents it from returning while optimizing the body’s healing and immune systems.
What does a pinched nerve in the shoulder feel like?
Pinched nerves can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area. It is important to seek medical advice to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
Sleep on your back with a pillow or small, rolled-up towel under your back to maintain a neutral spine. Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder. If you prefer sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your arms to align your shoulders properly and reduce pressure on the affected shoulder. It is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach.
$139 New Patient Special
Includes Complimentary Consultation, Complete Set of Structural Correction Motion Images, Infrared Spinal Analysis, Triplaner Head & Posture Assessment, Orthopedic & Neurological Test, Your First Adjustment & Recommendation Conference