Natural Shoulder Pain Treatment in Raleigh NC

Shoulder Pain & Chiropractic Solutions

The shoulder joint is easy to overlook until it begins to hurt. Given its role in so many of our daily activities: lifting, carrying, and waving, to name a few, it's crucial to address any issues promptly. Our Raleigh chiropractic services specialize in identifying and treating the underlying causes of shoulder pain.

Common Reasons for Shoulder Discomfort

There are an endless number of factors that can cause shoulder pain, including but not limited to:

Muscle tension in the neck and upper back
Spinal misalignments
Arthritic conditions
Improper movement patterns
Injuries from sports or car accidents

Interestingly, many of these issues are rooted in the spine, which houses the nerves controlling the shoulder. When vertebrae in the neck or upper back are out of alignment or compressed, it can trigger nerve irritation and subsequent shoulder pain.

Signs Your Shoulder Needs Attention

The symptoms of shoulder pain can vary from subtle to overt and may either develop gradually or appear suddenly. Any symptom should be a cue for immediate evaluation to prevent further complications. Watch out for:

Persistent shoulder pain lasting more than a week
Recurrent bouts of shoulder pain
Challenges lifting your arm overhead
Discomfort or difficulty while carrying items
Increased shoulder pain during the evening
Visible signs of joint damage like bruising or swelling
Uncommon noises or sensations in the joint during motion

Care from Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.

Your care is led by Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, a licensed North Carolina chiropractor and the clinic director of Carolina ChiroCare & Rehab. He has practiced at our Raleigh clinic since 2010 and has completed postgraduate education in spinal injuries, diagnostic imaging, whiplash, trauma, spinal decompression and medical laser applications. His exam looks at the shoulder joint and at the neck and upper back, since irritated nerves in the neck can cause pain that is felt in the shoulder.

Related Conditions & Treatments

Shoulder Pain FAQs

Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?

Yes. Nerves from the lower neck supply the shoulder, so a pinched nerve or stiff joints in the neck can cause pain felt in the shoulder or shoulder blade. That is why we examine the neck as well as the shoulder.

What shoulder problems can chiropractic care help?

We commonly see muscle strains, rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder stiffness and pain related to posture or the neck. Complete tears or fractures need imaging and may need an orthopedic referral.

When should I get my shoulder checked?

Have it evaluated if pain lasts more than a week, keeps coming back, wakes you at night, or makes it hard to lift your arm overhead. Sudden weakness or a visible deformity after a fall needs urgent care.

What treatments do you use for shoulder pain?

Care may include adjustments to the neck, upper back and shoulder, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, and laser or shockwave therapy for stubborn tendon pain.

Non-Surgical Relief

Rather than relying on medication or surgical intervention, chiropractic care offers a minimally invasive approach to resolving shoulder pain. Our skilled chiropractors in Raleigh will conduct a personalized examination that includes a review of your medical history and advanced imaging tests. With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we create a treatment plan to expedite your recovery process.

For immediate assistance, connect with us today.