One of the most common conditions that we see in our office in Centennial, Colorado, is shoulder pain. Millions of people in the US experience shoulder pain every single day. It can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life by affecting activities such as sleeping, working, and recreational pursuits. Our goal at Lovett Family Chiropractic is to help our patients with shoulder pain to get back to living the lives they were meant to live, without shoulder pain and discomfort. Here, we’re going to help you to understand the underlying factors contributing to shoulder pain. We will teach you about effective treatment approaches so you can make informed decisions about your shoulder pain.
Addressing the Root Cause of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is controlled by the C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots. These nerve roots supply the vast number of muscles that form and stabilize the shoulder. When those nerve roots aren’t firing properly, the shoulder will not function properly, it is more likely to be injured, as well as less likely to heal properly. By ensuring that these nerve roots are all firing at 100%, we can help the shoulder function properly, reduce the risk of injury, and support proper healing.
$49 New Patient Special
First visit includes a consultation, case review, careful exam, X-rays (if necessary) and initial adjustment. Second visit includes a doctor’s report of findings, care plan recommendations, and treatment if you decide to move forward. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Restrictions apply. Must mention this coupon at the time of scheduling.
How Our Care Protocol Works
First, we perform a thorough chiropractic exam and x-rays to determine exactly where the lack of proper movement is in your spine and which specific vertebrae need to be addressed.
Second, we restore proper motion to your spine and take stress off of the nerve by performing biomechanically and neurologically correct chiropractic adjustments.
Third, we teach you specific exercises to strengthen and stabilize your spine. These exercises are carefully designed to get you great results and NOT aggravate your condition.
Fourth, as clinically indicated, we perform non-surgical spinal decompression to take pressure off of the disc and off of the nerve giving you relief like you haven’t felt in years!
How We Treat Shoulder Pain In Centennial, CO
Specific Chiropractic Care in Centennial, CO
After a thorough consultation, exam and x-rays, chiropractic adjustments might be the best option to address your shoulder pain. These adjustments will help ensure that the nerve roots supplying the muscles of your shoulder are functioning properly. This will also ensure proper shoulder joint biomechanics.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
Spinal and shoulder muscle weakness can commonly cause shoulder pain. That is why one of the keys to correcting and preventing shoulder pain is making sure that the stabilization muscles around the spine and shoulder are firing properly.
These exercises help you hold your adjustments and properly stabilize your spine and shoulders. We create a customized spinal exercise plan for every patient to strengthen and stabilize their spine as part of their care plan to help correct their shoulder pain.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Centennial, CO
Bicep Tendonitis
When the C5 and C6 nerve roots are not sending the proper signals to the biceps muscle, it will commonly put more stress on the head of the biceps tendon. This will cause pain in the front of the shoulder. It can be especially painful when pressure is applied to the head of the biceps tendon, and the humerus is externally rotated. This is one of the most common symptoms we see in people with shoulder pain.
Shoulder Bursitis
There is a fluid-filled sac, called the bursa, just between the head of the humerus and the head of the deltoid. The bursa is designed to protect the muscle from rubbing against the bone. However, due to overuse and wear-and-tear, the bursa can become inflamed, which is called bursitis. You can feel the bursitis on the top or outside of the shoulder. Bursitis is often more noticeable when lifting your arms overhead.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Arthritis, is a condition in which the affected joint wears down over time. It results in decreased joint space and inflammation, which can be painful and limit the shoulder’s ability to function.
Osteoarthritis can be managed to slow its progression and, in some cases, even halt it. This makes treatment extremely important. Here at Lovett Family Chiropractic, we utilize chiropractic adjustments and specific exercises to help strengthen the joint and improve its mobility. With proper treatment, we can reduce the impact of arthritis and help you enjoy your life again.
Check Out Our Location Near You
12201 E Arapahoe Rd B10, Centennial, CO 80112
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Yes! Chiropractors restore proper function to the shoulder and decrease shoulder pain. This allows your body to heal and eventually get you back to doing the activities that you find meaningful in your life.
Should I see a chiropractor or my primary care physician for shoulder pain?
While your primary care doctor is trained to treat certain conditions, they don’t have the training required to properly treat shoulder pain. You’re likely to get a prescription for an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, or even an injection from your primary care doctor. These don’t address the cause of your symptoms; they just mask them.
On the other hand, a chiropractor is highly trained to treat patients with shoulder pain. Our expertise in taking and assessing spinal X-rays, performing chiropractic adjustments, prescribing stabilizing exercises, and utilizing spinal decompression protocols is invaluable if you are suffering from shoulder pain.
Why is my shoulder pain not going away?
Your shoulder pain will likely persist if the underlying cause is not addressed. Chronic repetitive stress on the shoulder, at work or at home, can cause a shoulder problem to persist. In fact, the longer it goes uncorrected, the longer it will take to correct once you begin treatment.
How do I stop severe shoulder pain?
The best option is to have this problem properly assessed by a chiropractor to determine the best plan of action.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
Oftentimes, sleeping on your shoulder can make your symptoms worse. We recommend sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow under your neck. This will take stress off the nerve roots that supply the shoulder muscles and tissues.
Can I adjust my shoulders by myself?
Adjusting yourself, especially your shoulder, is never recommended. It is important to have your neck and shoulder properly evaluated to figure out the best way to treat them.
What can cause shoulder pain without an acute injury?
Yes. Like anything else in life, little injuries over time can take a toll and add up. These micro-injuries over the years can eventually lead to shoulder pain.
$49 New Patient Special
First visit includes a consultation, case review, careful exam, X-rays (if necessary) and initial adjustment. Second visit includes a doctor’s report of findings, care plan recommendations, and treatment if you decide to move forward. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Restrictions apply. Must mention this coupon at the time of scheduling.