Shoulder pain can be challenging. With the right treatment approach, though, lasting relief is possible. If you experience frequent pain and discomfort in the shoulder area that affects your everyday life, a chiropractor may be able to help. Here are just a few shoulder conditions that these pain specialists can help treat.

3 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain 

1. Shoulder Tendonitis 

Shoulder tendonitis is characterized by inflammation of the tendon in the bicep or rotator cuff. Caused by overuse, this condition is especially common among those who participate in activities that require them to lift their arm over their head repeatedly. Examples include weightlifting, swimming, and playing volleyball. Treatment might include rest, strengthening exercises, corticosteroid injections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

2. Pinched Nerve

If your bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons put too much pressure on a nerve, it can become pinched. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere on the body, but they are especially common in the neck, back, and shoulders. Causes include impact injuries, repetitive stress, and conditions like obesity and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder, immobilizing the arm will give the body time to heal by letting it rest. Various stretches and spinal adjustments can also help, and NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections can provide additional relief. 

3. Strain, Sprain, or Tear 

As the most mobile joint in the body, the shoulder is especially vulnerable to sprains, strains, and tears because you’re likely to overextend it from time to time. In other words, it’s easy to overestimate how flexible this ball-and-socket joint is. A shoulder sprain is damage to the acromioclavicular joint, while a strain refers to the stretching of a muscle or tendon in the shoulder. Tears, on the other hand, are injuries to the soft tissue surrounding the joint. Generally speaking, if your shoulder pain is the result of a strain, sprain, or tear, you’ll be able to pinpoint the precise cause because it will stem from a specific injury.

If you experience shoulder pain, turn to Back to Health Chiropractic for diagnosis and treatment. Located in Florence, KY, this practice is comprised of pain relief specialists who have years of education and experience in their field. Their family chiropractors are proud to treat patients of all ages, and they have the skills and expertise to both manage chronic conditions and facilitate the body’s natural healing process after an injury. To read testimonials from past patients, visit their website, and call (859) 746-2222 to make an appointment.