Your shoulder is a marvel of biological engineering, with a complex system of bones, muscles, and ligaments, allowing an incredible range of motion. Since this joint is integral to countless daily activities, shoulder pain, and dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life.

At Barham Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to understanding and treating shoulder pain. We see the shoulder not as an isolated joint but as part of a dynamic system that includes the neck, upper back, and arms.

Whether you’re dealing with a nagging ache or a more severe condition, chiropractic care can be an option for natural, effective relief.

Root Causes of Shoulder Pain and How Chiropractic Can Help

There can be various reasons for shoulder pain. However, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to addressing many shoulder issues. At our Sacramento office, our team focuses not just on symptom relief but on correcting underlying root causes.

Spinal Misalignments – The network of your musculoskeletal system means that the movement of your spine and the function of your shoulder are connected. Misalignments in the neck, upper back, and upper ribs can disrupt nerve flow and muscle coordination to the shoulder. Our chiropractors use gentle adjustments to correct these misalignments, restoring proper nerve communication and alleviating shoulder discomfort.

Poor Shoulder Posture and Mechanics – With hours of technology use and poor ergonomics becoming a daily habit, rounded shoulders and forward head posture are increasingly common. Poor posture can lead to shoulder strain. Our chiropractors assess your posture and movement patterns to determine if there is a misalignment in the shoulder. We can adjust the shoulder joint and suggest exercises to improve your shoulder biomechanics if needed.

Arthritis – While chiropractic adjustments can’t reverse arthritis, they can significantly improve joint movement, range of motion, and function, reducing discomfort. We may also recommend massage or other soft tissue therapies to help manage inflammation and discomfort.

Bursitis – This condition happens when the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints become inflamed. Our chiropractors check for proper shoulder joint alignment, which can restore nerve flow and relieve pressure on inflamed bursae. This helps reduce inflammation and allows the joint to heal naturally.

Overuse and Injury – Whether from sports, work, or daily activities, shoulder overuse and injuries are common. Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in recovery by clearing interference in the nervous system to improve the body’s healing response. This can mean faster recovery and improved function for conditions like rotator cuff tears.

Bone Spurs in the Shoulder Area – While chiropractic can’t remove bone spurs, it can help manage the pain and restricted movement they cause. By improving joint alignment and reducing inflammation, adjustments can create more space in the joint, potentially alleviating the pressure caused by bone spurs.

Emotional Stress – This can be an overlooked cause of shoulder issues. It’s often said that someone is “carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders “when stressed, and there’s truth to this. Emotional tension can lead to physical tightness in the shoulder and neck area. Chiropractic care has been shown to address the physical tension and manifestations of stress and help the nervous system to switch into a more relaxed, parasympathetic, or “rest and digest” state

young woman suffering from radiating pain in left shoulder

Rear view of man touching back of shoulder because of pain

How to Get Started With Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

1. Comprehensive Assessment: When you come to our Sacramento office, our chiropractors will first evaluate your posture, range of motion, and overall spinal health to identify any subluxations or contributing factors to your shoulder pain. We may take X-rays to get more information on the state of your joints. We’ll discuss your goals and our recommended care plan.

2. Spinal and Shoulder Adjustments: Gentle, specific adjustments help restore proper alignment and function to the spine and shoulder joints. Often, one adjustment does not fix years of dysfunction. It may take patience and repetition for the joint to hold the alignment and for the soft tissues to heal.

3. Additional Therapies and Nutritional Counseling: Our whole team at Barham Chiropractic is dedicated to helping you feel great and function optimally. Depending on the root cause of your shoulder pain, our team can help you address muscle tension with massage and suggest nutritional recommendations to promote healing in injured tissues.

4. Lifestyle Advice: We can provide guidance on exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability. We can recommend changes in your workplace ergonomics, posture, and stress management can help prevent future shoulder issues.

By addressing the root causes of shoulder pain and not just the symptoms, Barham Chiropractic offers patients in the Sacramento area a natural, drug-free approach to shoulder health. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort or recovering from an injury, chiropractic treatment can play a vital role in restoring function and alleviating pain in your shoulders.

As every individual’s situation is unique, we recommend you come for a personalized assessment to determine the most effective care plan for your needs.

Why Choose Us for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Sacramento?

Since 1992, Barham Chiropractic has been home to the best chiropractors in Sacramento. Our family's clinic is committed to providing you with exceptional shoulder pain care!