Are You Dealing With Shoulder Pain?
Watch this video on how shoulder injuries form.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Anatomy
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that help keep your shoulder joint stable while allowing it to move. Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common shoulder pain causes, leading to 4.5 million doctor visits each year.
Injuries are classified as "partial tears," where one side of the tendon is frayed, "full-thickness tears," which involve a slit or hole in the tendon, or "ruptures," where the tendon is completely torn in two.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain causes range from gradual overuse to sudden injury. While less than 10% of rotator cuff injuries result from sudden trauma like falling or lifting, most injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive strain. A common cause is "impingement," where the space for the rotator cuff becomes crowded, leading to tendon pinching when the arm is raised.
Sudden shoulder pain without injury is also common, particularly in adults over 40, and is often linked to tendon degeneration, bursitis, or referred pain from the neck. Athletes and individuals with jobs that require frequent overhead movement are particularly at risk, as well as those with lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, or high cholesterol.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Acute injuries may cause a "tearing" or "snapping" sensation, followed by pain and weakness. Chronic injuries develop gradually, often starting with discomfort in the front or side of the shoulder that can spread down the arm. Shoulder pain when lifting arm overhead is one of the most telling signs of a rotator cuff problem. Symptoms are often most severe at night, particularly when shoulder pain from sleeping on the affected side becomes hard to avoid.
Neck and shoulder pain that develops together may indicate a cervical component contributing to the problem, which is why a thorough assessment is so important.
Shoulder Pain Relief: What You Can Do
Young patients with acute tears may need surgery, but many can benefit from conservative treatments like those we offer. Chiropractic for shoulder pain focuses on restoring joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and addressing the root cause rather than masking symptoms with medication. Avoid painful overhead activities, carry lighter loads, and sleep on your unaffected side with a pillow for support.
Shoulder pain exercises prescribed by your provider play a crucial role in long-term recovery. Consistently performing your prescribed home exercises is essential for rebuilding strength and preventing reinjury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time depends on the severity and cause of the injury. Mild strains may resolve in a few weeks with proper care, while more significant rotator cuff tears can take several months. Chiropractic treatment combined with prescribed exercises can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of recurring pain.
Nighttime shoulder pain is a hallmark of rotator cuff problems and bursitis. Lying on the affected shoulder compresses the already-irritated tendons, which is why shoulder pain from sleeping is such a common complaint. Sleeping on your back or opposite side with a supportive pillow can reduce overnight discomfort while you recover.
Sudden shoulder pain without any fall or trauma is often caused by calcific tendinitis, bursitis, or a degenerative rotator cuff tear that has been building silently over time. Referred pain from the cervical spine can also mimic shoulder symptoms. An assessment helps identify the true source so treatment can be targeted appropriately.
Overhead movements narrow the space where the rotator cuff tendons pass through, compressing already-irritated tissue. This is the hallmark of shoulder impingement, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in active adults. Reducing overhead load while you recover gives the tendons space to heal.
