Shoulder pain can be a problem not only because of the discomfort it causes, but also because it may limit an individual’s mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks. Actions such as putting on a coat, lifting a gallon of milk or other simple, routine things suddenly become an exercise in pain each time they are performed because of shoulder pain.

Yet, shoulder pain doesn’t have to prevent an individual from enjoying life and chiropractic care is a way to quickly and effectively deal with the problem. Chiropractic care is a preferable option not only because it is effective but also because it avoids the possibility of painful surgery or pain-killers which may produce harmful side-effects.

What’s important to remember for individuals suffering from shoulder pain is to be patient. Shoulder problems can be resistant to even the best care, but over time chiropractic can help. Correcting the problem begins with an examination of the neck, upper back and shoulder to determine if spinal nerve irritation could be causing pain. A shoulder injury may also result from a weakness due to an underlying nerve irritation. Spinal and shoulder joint adjustments will be needed to stop the progression of joint deterioration and help the soft tissue heal. A chiropractor will also lead a patient in strengthening or stretching exercises to help restore the full range of motion to their shoulder.

In medical terminology, a shoulder is known as a “suspension” joint. This type of joint makes an individual’s shoulders very mobile and flexible. But a “suspension” joint also limits the strength of an individual’s shoulder because it has a shallow socket and very little support, thus the anatomy of the shoulder makes it vulnerable to injury.

The result is that both young and old may be susceptible to shoulder injuries for different reasons and at different times of life. Possible causes of shoulder pain include:

• Sports injury (as a result of pitching, throwing, tackling, swinging)

• Car accidents (especially those resulting in whiplash)

• Overuse and/or repetitive motions such as lifting and reaching

• Arthritis related to aging and/or normal wear and tear

• Previous injuries such as those from childhood

• Sleeping in an awkward position

• Long-standing spinal or emotional stress

While shoulder pain is frequently dismissed as bursitis or arthritis, it should never be neglected. This is because it may be a sign of a larger problem that could worsen if left untreated. There are several reasons shoulder injuries should be dealt with immediately to assure even the simplest of problems do not worsen and present difficulties years later. Among them:

• Strains and sprains can result in continued injury to joints even longer after the pain is gone

• Overuse of poorly conditioned tissues can leave shoulder joints susceptible to future injuries

• Assuming that pampering a hurt shoulder simply by not using it can cause more harm than good. Left alone for too long your shoulder can freeze up, a condition known as “frozen shoulder syndrome.”

Here is a successful home remedy that you can try for a stiff or painful shoulder. Fill an empty gallon milk container with two inches of water. Swing the partially filled gallon around with one arm like a windmill – ten times in one direction and then ten times in the other direction. If this is too painful at first, go as far as you can in one direction and then as far in the other direction. Do this with both arms so you don’t create problems that can arise with asymmetric muscle development. Leave the milk container on the counter so you remember to do this twice a day – in the morning and in the evening.

Chiropractic care should always be considered when dealing with shoulder pain because of its ability to restore the strength and integrity of shoulder’s supporting soft tissues, along with keeping joints flexible and working free of pain.