A review of 61 studies found that shoulder pain affects anywhere from 10% to over 50% of adults worldwide. It’s more common in women and in working adults. The risk goes up with age but interestingly, fewer people actually report shoulder pain after age 65, likely because they’re less physically active.
There are a lot of factors that influence shoulder pain but no matter the cause, the one thing most people have in common is this: they’re not getting the right answers.
At our clinic The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge, CO, we take shoulder pain seriously. We don’t guess, and we don’t just say “rest and see how it goes.” We look closely at how the joint moves, how the nerves are functioning, and where the real problem is coming from.
What Is Shoulder Pain?
Most of what we think of as “shoulder pain” involves the glenohumeral joint, where the top of the arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder socket.
This joint is surrounded by the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder and the labrum, a ring of cartilage that helps keep the joint in place.
Other nearby structures, like the acromioclavicular (AC) joint at the top of the shoulder, and the nerve roots that exit the neck and upper spine, also play a major role in how the shoulder feels and functions.
Pain can come from the joint itself, the muscles that move it, Other times, the pain is referred from somewhere else, such as a pinched nerve in the cervical spine or pressure near the base of the neck.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Bursitis
There’s a small cushion under the acromion called the subacromial bursa. When it gets irritated or inflamed, patients usually feel a sharp, pinching pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compressed nerves in the wrist change how the arm moves as a whole. I often see patients with shoulder pain caused by altered mechanics when the median nerve is affected. The shoulder ends up doing more work than it should.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder often points to a compressed nerve root, usually at the C5, C6, or C7 level. It mimics pain similar to a rotator cuff injury, but it doesn’t start in the shoulder joint at all.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
When the joint capsule around the glenohumeral joint thickens and tightens, range of motion drops significantly. I hear patients say it feels “stuck” or that they’ve lost the ability to reach. Pain usually builds gradually and often feels worse at night.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Nerves and blood vessels between the first rib and collarbone can become compressed, especially in people with poor posture or old upper body injuries. Symptoms usually include pain, tingling, or heaviness in the arm or shoulder.
Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. A tear often from a sports injury can cause deep joint pain, clicking, and reduced shoulder stability.
Chiropractic Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
In my clinic, we don’t rely on guesswork or one-size-fits-all plans. Once I’ve identified the cause of your shoulder pain—whether it’s joint restriction, tendon irritation, or nerve involvement—we build a care plan around what your body actually needs. Here’s how we approach treatment:
Chiropractic Adjustments
When the shoulder joint isn’t moving the way it should, the surrounding muscles and nerves pay the price. I use precise adjustments to restore motion in the glenohumeral joint, AC joint, and thoracic spine. Restoring proper alignment not only improves mobility but also relieves pressure on nearby nerves that can contribute to pain.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight muscles and scar tissue around the shoulder blade and rotator cuff can block progress. I use a combination of soft tissue massages and a vibration-based device called the Rapid Release™ Pro 3+. It’s especially useful for freeing up restricted tissue without applying deep or painful pressure.
Therapeutic Exercise
Strength and stability have to return if we want results to last. We use targeted movements to retrain the scapular stabilizers, correct postural imbalances, and gradually rebuild joint control. These exercises are simple, effective, and easy to do at home between visits.
FAQs About Shoulder Pain
Can shoulder pain come from my neck?
Yes. A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can cause pain that radiates to the shoulder, often without any actual damage in the shoulder joint.
How do I know if I’ve torn my rotator cuff?
Tears often cause weakness, limited overhead motion, and sharp pain—especially when lifting or lying on the shoulder. Diagnosis requires a physical exam and sometimes imaging.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, and frozen shoulder often worsen at night due to joint stiffness and inflammation when lying still.
How can I tell if my shoulder pain is nerve-related?
Nerve-related shoulder pain often feels sharp and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand. If the pain starts in your neck or radiates down the arm, It could be cervical radiculopathy or thoracic outlet syndrome.
Is shoulder cracking or popping a sign of damage?
Not always. Some clicking or popping is harmless and often results from gas bubbles within the joint. However, if it’s accompanied by pain it could signal a labral tear or a joint misalignment.
Don’t Wait for Shoulder Pain to Take Over
Our $97 New Patient Special is the first step toward real relief. Patients across Wheat Ridge and Denver come to us because they want answers and leave with a clear plan that actually works.
We’ll show you what’s causing your shoulder pain and what it will take to fix it without relying on medications, injections, or surgery.
If you’re ready to stop managing pain and start restoring function,
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910