Shoulder Pain: A Chiropractic Perspective

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, consisting of the scapula, clavicle, and humerus. It requires a wide range of motion to function properly. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we understand that shoulder pain and dysfunction can significantly impact daily activities. We understand that resolving this as quickly as possible is often a key goal for those suffering from shoulder pain.

There are several conditions that commonly affect the shoulder:

One of the most common issues we see is when the large muscle that covers the side and back of your neck becomes tight. This is called Upper Trapezius Overactivity. This can happen due to:

• Poor desk posture
• Extended computer use
• Extended phone use (especially in a poor position)
• Compensation for poor shoulder mechanics

This condition can present as either shoulder or neck pain due to the muscle's attachment from neck to shoulder.

At Northwood Chiropractic, we prioritize getting to the root cause of your shoulder pain. This means we have to look not only at the shoulder but also the spine. The nerves that control the shoulder come from your lower neck. A mislalignment in this area can cause the shoulder not to function very well. Over time this puts pressure on certain structures and then suddenly you get an injury. Therefore, to really get to the cause of this issue, the spine must be addressed as well as the shoulder. By addressing both is how we not only get good results, but lasting results.