Cameron Stewart, D.C.

Hi everyone, Dr. Cam checking in.

Shoulder pain is a common complaint I see here in the practice. People often assume the problem lies directly within the shoulder joint itself – maybe a rotator cuff issue or bursitis. And sometimes, that’s true. But very often, shoulder pain, weakness, or restricted movement can actually stem from problems in the neck or upper back.

Think about my track and field days throwing the shot put, discus, and hammer. Generating power and ensuring a smooth, injury-free throw required not just a strong shoulder, but also precise coordination involving the entire kinetic chain – starting from the ground up, through the core, upper back, and neck. If my upper back was stiff or my neck alignment was off, it absolutely affected my shoulder mechanics and power output.

The Neck-Shoulder Connection:

The nerves that control your shoulder and arm muscles originate from your cervical spine (your neck) and upper thoracic spine (upper back). If vertebrae in these areas are misaligned or restricted, they can irritate these nerves. This nerve irritation can manifest as:

• Referred Pain: Pain felt in the shoulder, even though the primary issue is in the neck or upper back.
• Muscle Weakness: Nerves control muscle strength. Irritation can lead to weakness in the shoulder muscles (like the rotator cuff), making the shoulder more susceptible to injury.
• Restricted Range of Motion: Pain or nerve interference can limit how well you can move your shoulder.
• Compensation: If the neck or upper back isn’t moving correctly, the shoulder joint might try to compensate, leading to overuse and strain within the shoulder itself.

My own struggles with chronic neck pain and herniated discs definitely included periods where my shoulder function felt compromised, reinforcing this crucial connection for me personally.

How Chiropractic Investigates Shoulder Pain:

When someone comes in with shoulder pain, I perform a thorough examination that includes not just the shoulder joint itself, but also the neck and upper back. We look for:

• Misalignments and restricted movement in the cervical and thoracic spine.
• Signs of nerve irritation originating from the spine.
• Muscle imbalances in the neck, shoulder girdle, and upper back.

By addressing any underlying spinal issues with specific adjustments, we can often alleviate nerve pressure, restore proper nerve function to the shoulder muscles, and improve overall shoulder mechanics. This can lead to significant relief of shoulder symptoms, even if the shoulder joint itself wasn’t the primary problem.

Don’t assume your shoulder pain is only about the shoulder. Let’s look at the bigger picture! Visit www.drcam.rocks to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Yours in health,

Dr. Cam