Shoulder and arm pain can make everyday activities such as lifting, reaching, exercising, working, or even getting dressed uncomfortable. Because the shoulder is made up of several joints, muscles, and tendons that provide a wide range of motion, problems in this area can develop from injury, overuse, or changes within the joints and surrounding tissues. In some cases, shoulder and arm pain may also originate from irritation of the nerves in the neck.
What Causes Shoulder and Arm Pain?
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly following an injury or gradually from repetitive movements and everyday wear and tear. Pain that extends into the arm can also occur when a nerve in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed, sometimes even when neck pain itself is not present.
Common causes of shoulder and arm pain may include:
- Rotator cuff injuries and tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Muscle strains and overuse injuries
- Shoulder instability
- Arthritis and joint degeneration
- Pinched or irritated nerves in the neck
- Herniated or bulging cervical discs
- Sports and repetitive-motion injuries
Symptoms of Shoulder and Arm Pain
Symptoms can include aching, stiffness, weakness, limited range of motion, or pain when reaching overhead or lifting objects. Nerve involvement may also cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the shoulder into the arm or hand.
Chiropractic Care for Shoulder and Arm Pain
Chiropractic care begins by determining whether your symptoms are originating from the shoulder itself, the neck, or another contributing problem. Based on your evaluation, an individualized treatment plan can be developed to improve mobility, reduce irritation, and restore healthier function.
Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, stretching, and soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release. These conservative therapies can help improve joint movement, strengthen and stabilize the shoulder, reduce muscle tension, and address mechanical problems that may be contributing to pain.
Get Back to the Activities You Enjoy
Whether shoulder and arm pain is keeping you from playing your favorite sport or simply making daily activities more difficult, identifying the source of your symptoms is an important first step. Schedule an evaluation with our chiropractic team to learn more about conservative treatment options designed to relieve discomfort, restore movement, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes shoulder and arm pain?
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from repetitive movements and everyday wear and tear. Common causes include rotator cuff injuries and tendonitis, bursitis, shoulder impingement, muscle strains and overuse, shoulder instability, arthritis and joint degeneration, pinched nerves in the neck, herniated or bulging cervical discs, and sports or repetitive-motion injuries.
Can neck problems cause shoulder and arm pain?
Yes. Pain extending into the arm can occur when a nerve in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed, sometimes even when there is no neck pain at all. That is why we start by determining where the symptoms are actually coming from.
What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
Symptoms can include aching, stiffness, weakness, limited range of motion, or pain when reaching overhead or lifting objects. Where nerves are involved, there may also be pain, numbness, tingling or weakness travelling from the shoulder into the arm or hand.
Why does my arm hurt when I reach overhead?
Pain on reaching overhead or lifting is one of the common presentations we see. It can point to the shoulder itself or to nerve irritation in the neck, which is what an evaluation is designed to distinguish.
How is shoulder and arm pain treated?
After an evaluation we build an individualized plan. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, stretching and soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release, to improve joint movement, strengthen and stabilise the shoulder, and reduce muscle tension.
