Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or limited mobility, persistent shoulder discomfort can make daily tasks—like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even sleeping—difficult and frustrating.
If your shoulder pain won’t go away, it’s time to explore the underlying causes. At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic shoulder pain through non-invasive, drug-free chiropractic care that targets the root of the problem rather than just masking symptoms.
Common Reasons Your Shoulder Pain Isn’t Improving
If your shoulder pain lingers despite rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, there may be deeper issues at play. Here are some of the most common reasons your pain won’t go away:
Poor Posture and Spinal Misalignment
Your shoulder function is directly linked to your spinal alignment, particularly in the neck and upper back. Poor posture—like slouching at your desk or looking down at your phone for long periods—creates forward head posture and rounded shoulders, increasing strain on the shoulder joints and muscles.
Over time, this misalignment can lead to:
- Increased muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Restricted mobility in the shoulder joint
- Pinched nerves, causing pain that radiates down the arm
Chiropractic care helps restore proper spinal alignment, relieving pressure on the shoulders and reducing pain.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. When these tissues are overworked, strained, or torn, pain and weakness can persist for months. Common rotator cuff injuries include:
- Tendinitis – Inflammation from repetitive overhead movements or poor mechanics
- Bursitis – Swelling in the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint
- Tears – Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons
Without proper treatment, these injuries can worsen, leading to chronic pain and decreased function.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder develops when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and inflamed, making movement painful and restricted. This condition can worsen over time, often following an injury or period of immobility.
Symptoms include:
- Gradual loss of shoulder mobility
- Persistent stiffness and pain
- Difficulty lifting the arm or reaching behind the back
Chiropractic adjustments, combined with stretching and mobilization exercises, can increase range of motion and prevent further stiffness.
Nerve Compression and Pinched Nerves
Pain that radiates from the shoulder down the arm may not be a shoulder problem at all—it could be nerve compression in the neck or upper back. Conditions like cervical spine misalignment or herniated discs can press on nerves that supply the shoulder and arm, leading to:
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the arm or hand
Chiropractic care relieves nerve compression by restoring spinal alignment, reducing pressure on irritated nerves, and improving mobility.
Chronic Inflammation and Scar Tissue
Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but when it becomes chronic, it can slow healing and prolong pain. Scar tissue from previous injuries can also limit mobility and cause persistent discomfort.
Chiropractic treatments such as soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, and joint mobilization help break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation—allowing the shoulder to heal naturally.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain isn’t going away, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution. At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we focus on treating the root cause of your pain rather than just managing symptoms.
Here’s how we help:
- Spinal Adjustments: Correcting misalignments in the spine reduces nerve pressure and improves shoulder function.
- Joint Mobilization: Gentle techniques restore shoulder joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeted muscle release techniques relieve tightness and tension in the shoulders and neck.
- Postural Training: We teach ergonomic corrections and posture exercises to prevent future pain.
- Rehabilitative Exercises: Strengthening and stretching routines improve shoulder stability and flexibility.
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Control Your Life—Get Help Today
If your shoulder pain won’t go away, it’s time to take action. Ignoring the problem can lead to chronic discomfort, limited mobility, and long-term damage. At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we specialize in holistic, non-invasive care to get you back to pain-free movement.
Schedule an appointment today, and let’s find the solution that works for you!
