Welcome to Corrective Spinal Care of California, where we specialize in providing expert chiropractic care for shoulder pain. We understand that shoulder pain is more than just a discomfort; it affects your ability to carry out everyday activities and can significantly impact your quality of life.
The shoulder, a highly intricate “ball and socket” joint, boasts unparalleled mobility, allowing movement in all directions to support the diverse functions of our arms. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of stability, making the shoulder prone to injuries. At Corrective Spinal Care of California, our doctors frequently treat shoulder pain, a prevalent issue affecting about 70% of individuals at some point in their lives.
Shoulder pain falls into two primary categories: acute and chronic. While approximately 50% of cases resolve within 8-12 weeks, 40% develop into chronic conditions lasting a year or more, posing significant challenges. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent acute injuries from becoming persistent, harder-to-treat problems.
Poor posture is a leading cause of shoulder pain observed at our center. The shoulder relies on balanced muscles for stability, but prolonged desk work often leads to forward-rolled shoulders, creating muscle imbalances. Other frequent causes include trauma (e.g., falls or car accidents), stress, repetitive motions, and osteoarthritis, which can misalign the shoulder joint. Chiropractors at Corrective Spinal Care of California excel in detecting and correcting these misalignments through targeted adjustments. Identifying the underlying cause of shoulder pain is vital to ensure effective, tailored treatment.
$149 New Patient Special
Includes Private Consultation to discuss your needs & concerns, Gentle Chiropractic Examination to find out what’s wrong, Any necessary X-rays to understand your condition fully, Report of Findings.
How Our Better, Stronger, Healthier Plan Works
1. Better
Many people seek help from a chiropractor only when they are suffering from such intense pain that it is interfering with their daily life. Chiropractic classifies treatment in this period of intense pain as relief care. The chiropractor’s focus during this period is to alleviate your symptoms. Sometimes, this will require daily visits or two to three visits per week for some time.
2. Stronger
We regard eliminating your symptoms as the easiest part of a persons care. If we stop there it’s very likely that the underlying cause of the pain (disk problem, curved spine, limited range of motion, etc.)will cause a recurrence of the condition. If you repeat the process of treating only the pain, then over time your structural problem will only worsen leading to a chronic state of pain and suffering.
3. Healthier
Once the chiropractor determines that you have fully recovered from your injury you are ready for treatment in Stage 3 – Wellness. As strange as it may seem this might well be the most important part of the entire process. Most of the injuries that people suffer that lead them to chiropractors occur because their bodies aren’t really in overall good health.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain In Escondido, CA
Thorough Consultation and Examination
At Corrective Spinal Care of California, we begin every patient journey with a detailed consultation and exam. During the consultation, your doctor will explore your shoulder pain history, asking about past injuries, daily activities, hobbies, and work demands. These details offer critical clues about the source of your pain and its potential causes. Your doctor also wants to understand how this issue impacts your quality of life. This is your chance to share your story, and our compassionate doctors are here to listen attentively.
Following the consultation, the doctor conducts a comprehensive exam to pinpoint the cause of your shoulder pain. This includes tests like:
- Range of Motion
- Orthopedic and neurologic assessments
- Palpation to identify or rule out specific conditions
Using these findings, the doctor pieces together the puzzle of your pain and provides personalized care recommendations to help you achieve your goals. In some cases, X-rays may be necessary to gain a clearer picture of your condition. This step ensures our chiropractors have all the information needed to treat your shoulder pain effectively, without overlooking any details.
Targeted Chiropractic Care in Escondido, CA
The shoulder is often thought of as the joint connecting the arm to the torso, but it actually includes multiple joints. The glenohumeral joint, where the humerus meets the scapula, is the most recognized. However, the AC joint (where the collarbone meets the scapula) and the SC joint (where the collarbone meets the sternum) are also critical components that can contribute to shoulder issues. Misalignment or restricted movement in any of these joints can cause discomfort. Our chiropractors are skilled in adjusting these joints to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and enhance overall function.
Additionally, our chiropractors adopt a comprehensive approach to your shoulder issue, ensuring that the surrounding areas, such as the neck and upper back, are functioning optimally. Many individuals with shoulder pain also experience neck or upper back discomfort, and our chiropractors specialize in addressing these related concerns. At Corrective Spinal Care of California, we apply this holistic strategy to every patient, delivering the highest quality care possible.
Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Plan
The glenohumeral joint, the shoulder’s primary “ball and socket” structure, is the body’s most mobile joint. Supported by the rotator cuff muscles, it facilitates movement but offers less stability than other joints like the hip. Achieving the ideal balance of mobility and strength is critical for effective shoulder treatment, and our skilled doctors and trainers at Corrective Spinal Care of California are here to guide you through your recovery.
During your examination, our doctors pinpoint areas of weakness or restricted movement in your shoulder. Collaborating closely with our staff, they design a tailored exercise plan to meet your specific needs. If your shoulder lacks strength, the focus may be on stabilizing and strengthening exercises. If it’s overly tight, stretching and mobility exercises can enhance your range of motion. With various shoulder conditions causing pain, our team is dedicated to accurately diagnosing your issue and creating a personalized path to healing and relief.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Escondido, CA
Bursitis
The shoulder contains small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion and support the joints, reducing pressure on surrounding bones. Overuse or wear-and-tear can inflame these sacs, leading to bursitis, characterized by pain on the top or outside of the shoulder. Movements like lifting the arm overhead or rotating it can worsen the discomfort, challenging daily activities that rely on shoulder motion. While medications or injections are common treatments, natural approaches can also be effective.
At Corrective Spinal Care of California, we use specific chiropractic adjustments to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the bursae. Gentle movement exercises, guided by our doctors, support recovery, and applying ice at home periodically can further alleviate pain and inflammation.
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, or “Frozen Shoulder,” occurs when the shoulder’s joint capsule thickens, restricting motion and causing pain that may intensify over time. It progresses through three stages:
- Freezing (decreasing mobility with occasional pain)
- Frozen (reduced pain but severe movement limitation)
- Thawing (improving mobility and fading symptoms)
This condition often affects those with limited arm movement, such as after a fracture or stroke. Treatment focuses on restoring joint mobility through frequent exercises and stretches to “thaw” the shoulder and regain range of motion. Continued exercises, including on the unaffected side, help prevent recurrence and maintain balance and posture. Our team at Corrective Spinal Care of California ensures these exercises are tailored to support long-term shoulder health.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, involves the gradual wearing down of a joint, leading to reduced joint space, inflammation, and pain that limits shoulder function. Risk factors include age, weight, prior injuries, and repetitive joint stress. Though it can affect any joint, the shoulder is a common site. While osteoarthritis is irreversible, proactive management can slow or halt its progression.
At Corrective Spinal Care of California, we employ chiropractic adjustments and weight-bearing exercises to strengthen the joint and enhance mobility, preserving function to maintain your quality of life. Diligent care can minimize osteoarthritis’s impact, allowing you to enjoy your favorite activities.
Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff, a group of muscles surrounding the glenohumeral joint, stabilizes the shoulder and prevents dislocation. Injuries to these muscles are among the most common shoulder issues, causing a deep ache that worsens with movement. They frequently occur in athletes or those with repetitive arm use, like construction workers.
Most rotator cuff injuries heal naturally with chiropractic care, massage, and targeted exercises to restore joint movement and tissue health. At-home ice and consistent exercises streamline recovery. Severe cases, like significant tears, may require injections or surgery, but prompt assessment at Corrective Spinal Care of California ensures the right treatment plan for a smooth recovery.
Shoulder Sprain
Unlike strains, which affect muscles, sprains involve ligaments connecting bones. The shoulder’s ligaments stabilize the joint, but trauma or overuse can damage them, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced function. Stability is critical for healing sprains, as damaged ligaments can loosen the joint.
At Corrective Spinal Care of California, our doctors focus on strengthening and stabilizing exercises to support the shoulder while ligaments heal. Specific chiropractic adjustments accelerate this process, and conservative care often resolves the issue if addressed early. In rare cases of complete ligament rupture, surgery may be needed, but our goal is to restore function through targeted, non-invasive methods.
Check Out Our Location Near You
330 W Felicita Ave Suite B-1, Escondido, CA 92025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors in Escondido, CA, help with shoulder pain?
Absolutely. Chiropractors are skilled at evaluating shoulder movement and identifying restrictions or misalignments in the shoulder joints. Through precise chiropractic adjustments, they can restore proper alignment and function, helping your shoulder feel normal again.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
Starting with a chiropractor is an excellent choice. They conduct orthopedic, neurologic, and functional tests to diagnose the issue. If conservative treatment is suitable, they can manage it effectively. If advanced imaging or an orthopedic consultation is needed, they’ll guide you to the appropriate next steps.
Why isn’t my shoulder pain resolving?
Shoulder pain can persist because we rely on our shoulders for countless movements, and longstanding issues take time to heal. Just as the problem developed gradually, recovery requires patience. If you’re receiving care, stick to your treatment plan, and relief will come with consistent effort.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
For shoulder pain, sleep on your back to keep your shoulders relaxed and uncompressed. Alternatively, sleep on your side with the affected shoulder up to avoid aggravating it. Sleeping on the painful shoulder or on your stomach is not recommended, as it may worsen discomfort.
What’s the best exercise for shoulder pain?
Many exercises can help ease shoulder pain, but targeting the rotator cuff muscles is a great starting point. Using a resistance band secured to a doorknob, perform internal and external shoulder rotations to strengthen these muscles. Over time, this can enhance stability, reduce pain, and improve function.
Our team of experienced chiropractors at Corrective Spinal Care of California is committed to providing top-notch care using advanced chiropractic techniques. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
Patient Testimonials
Many of our patients have found lasting relief from shoulder pain through our treatments. Their stories are a testament to the effectiveness of our holistic approach to chiropractic care.
Start Your Journey to Relief Today
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment at Corrective Spinal Care of California today and take the first step toward a more comfortable and active life. Call us at (760) 489-0303 or book your appointment online. We’re here to help you regain comfort and mobility in your life.
$149 New Patient Special
Includes Private Consultation to discuss your needs & concerns, Gentle Chiropractic Examination to find out what’s wrong, Any necessary X-rays to understand your condition fully, Report of Findings.
