Shoulder Pain

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can happen for many reasons, sometimes due to issues directly in the shoulder or from problems in nearby areas like the neck. Below are some common conditions that might cause shoulder pain:

Referred Pain from the Neck: Sometimes, issues in the neck, such as nerve irritation, can cause pain that spreads to the shoulder. This is known as referred pain and can feel like discomfort or aching in the shoulder.

SLAP Lesion: A SLAP lesion is a tear in the cartilage inside the shoulder joint, called the labrum. This type of injury can cause pain, especially when you move your arm in certain ways.

Ligament Damage: The shoulder's ligaments, which help stabilize the joint, can be injured, leading to pain and sometimes a feeling that the shoulder is unstable.

Rotator Cuff Tear or Impingement: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help keep your shoulder stable. Tears or impingement in this area are common causes of shoulder pain, especially during activities that involve lifting or rotating the arm.

AC Joint Damage: The acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, can be injured or develop arthritis, leading to pain, particularly when moving the arm across the body.

Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes the shoulder to become stiff and painful, often making it difficult to move the arm. It tends to develop gradually and can last several months to years.

Bicep Tendinopathy: Pain at the front of the shoulder may be due to inflammation or irritation of the bicep tendon, often resulting from overuse or repetitive motions.

Fracture: A break in any of the bones that make up the shoulder, such as the collarbone or the upper arm bone, can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention.

Dislocation: A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. This causes sudden and severe pain, and the shoulder may appear deformed.

Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the shoulder joint. It can cause pain, particularly when moving the shoulder.

The references below highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and evidence-based management of shoulder conditions. If you have concerns about shoulder pain, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation.

References:

Lewis, J. S. (2016). "The End of the Natural History of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: An Early New Shoulder Paradigm?" British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(9), 535-536. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095690.

Hanchard, N. C., Goodchild, L., & Thompson, J. (2020). "Evidence-based clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment, and physiotherapy management of shoulder impingement syndrome." Physiotherapy, 107, 1-11. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2020.02.002.

Bury, J., West, R., Elwell, R., & Hall, M. (2019). "Frozen shoulder: a structured review of current treatment options." British Journal of General Practice, 69(682), e236-e242. doi:10.3399/bjgp19X702269.

How Can Chiropractors Help with Shoulder Pain?

Chiropractors can play a key role in managing shoulder pain by using a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs. They focus on improving the function of your shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, which can help reduce pain and increase mobility.

Treatment might include:

• Manual Adjustments: Gentle manipulation of the shoulder and spine to improve movement and relieve pressure on nerves.

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like massage or stretching to reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area.

• Exercise Advice: Customized exercises to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, improve posture, and prevent future injuries.

• Lifestyle Recommendations: Guidance on ergonomics, posture, and activity modifications to support your recovery and prevent further shoulder issues.

Chiropractic care for shoulder pain is supported by evidence showing that manual therapy combined with exercise can be effective in reducing pain and improving function. It’s important to ensure that your chiropractor is registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) in the UK, and follows their guidelines to provide safe and effective care.

Reference:

Lewis, J. S., et al. (2021). "Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care." BMJ, 372, n568.

How Can We Help Your Shoulder Pain?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of the following services:

• Chiropractic Treatment: We use precise joint mobilisations to improve spinal joint movement, reduce pain, and enhance function. This is often the first step in addressing the root cause of your condition.

• Exercise Therapy: Our customised exercise programs are designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and support recovery. These exercises are integral to restoring mobility and preventing future injuries.

• Myofascial Therapy: We offer targeted myofascial release techniques to relieve tension and reduce pain in the connective tissues surrounding your muscles. This therapy helps alleviate chronic pain and improves muscle function.

• Dry Needling: Our dry needling service is effective in releasing muscle knots and relieving trigger points that cause pain. This technique promotes healing and reduces muscle tension.

• Patient Education: We believe that informed patients are empowered patients. Through NRE, we provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies to help you manage your condition and prevent recurrence.

What If We Cannot Help Your Shoulder Pain?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.