The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It allows you to throw a ball, reach for a cup on the top shelf, and wave to a friend. But that incredible mobility comes at a cost: instability.
Because it relies so heavily on muscles and ligaments to hold it in place, the shoulder is highly susceptible to injury. At West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center in Huntington, NY, we see patients every day who can’t put on a coat or brush their hair without wincing.
To help you understand your shoulder pain, here are the answers to the most common questions we receive.
"Why does my shoulder hurt?"
Because the shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint, there are many potential culprits.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or strains in the muscles that stabilize the joint.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition where the joint capsule thickens and tightens, severely restricting movement.
- Misalignment: If the shoulder blade (scapula) or the clavicle is out of place, it grinds against the joint.
"Is the pain coming from my neck or my shoulder?"
This is the most critical question we answer. The nerves that control the shoulder originate in the lower neck (cervical spine). If you have a herniated disc or subluxation in your neck, it can send "referred pain" down into your shoulder and arm.
If your pain is accompanied by tingling in your fingers or gets worse when you turn your head, the problem might actually be in your spine, not your shoulder. A Chiropractor near you is trained to tell the difference.
"How do you treat shoulder pain?"
We take a dual approach: structure and soft tissue. First, we check the alignment of the cervical spine and the shoulder joint itself. Gentle adjustments can reposition the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula to ensure they move correctly. Second, we address the soft tissue. We use specific therapies to break up scar tissue in the rotator cuff and reduce the inflammation caused by bursitis.
"Can chiropractic help with Frozen Shoulder?"
Yes. Frozen shoulder is often a result of immobilization and inflammation. Through mobilization techniques and specific adjustments, we can gradually break up the adhesions restricting the joint, restoring your range of motion much faster than rest alone.
Call Our Chiropractors Near You to Schedule a Visit Today
You don't have to live with limited movement. We are conveniently located in Huntington on Long Island to serve your needs. Call (631) 659-2980 to contact West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center today and see if we can help you reach for the top shelf again.
