It’s Not All Humerus: Understanding and Treating Shoulder Pain

By: Dr. Jane H. Baxley, DC

Shoulder pain is a common issue, affecting millions of Americans every year. While many cases are short-lived, persistent or severe discomfort may indicate a more complex problem. Understanding the structure and function of the shoulder can help pinpoint the causes of pain and guide appropriate treatments.

What is the Shoulder?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint connecting the humerus (arm bone) to the glenoid fossa, a shallow socket in the scapula (shoulder blade). It is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion but also making it prone to instability and injury.

Key components of the shoulder include:

• Bones: Humerus, scapula, and clavicle (collarbone)
• Joints: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint, sternoclavicular joint, and glenohumeral joint
• Muscles and Tendons: Supportive structures like the trapezius, deltoid, pectoralis major, rhomboid major, and the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
• Other Structures: The labrum, bursae (fluid-filled sacs), joint capsule, and connective ligaments provide additional stability and support

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can originate from various sources, including joint problems, muscle strain, nerve impingement, or even referred pain from other areas like the neck or internal organs.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive motion (e.g., throwing, painting, overhead lifting)
• Inflammation (e.g., tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis)
• Muscle tears (e.g., rotator cuff tears)
• Injury or trauma (e.g., falls, car accidents)
• Nerve impingement (e.g., cervical radiculopathy)
• Poor posture (e.g., prolonged computer or phone use)
• Age-related degeneration
• Medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, heart disease, gallbladder disease)

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if shoulder pain is accompanied by:

• Shortness of breath or chest tightness (potential heart attack)
• Sudden swelling or deformity
• Intense pain or severe loss of movement

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if your pain:

• Persists for more than a few days
• Includes swelling, tenderness, or warmth
• Affects daily activities

Treatments for Shoulder Pain at White Oak Chiropractic

At White Oak Chiropractic, we offer several cutting-edge treatments to relieve shoulder pain and restore mobility:

1. Advanced BioStructural Correction™ (ABC™)

• A specialized whole-body correction system that balances and aligns posture, reducing pain and muscle strain throughout the body.
• Helps alleviate forward-slumped shoulders, allowing for easier movement and deeper breathing.

2. StemWave – Acoustic Shockwave Therapy

• Uses acoustic waves to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
• Increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair.
• A non-invasive, drug-free treatment with minimal downtime.

3. Cutting Edge MLS Laser Therapy

• A powerful therapeutic laser that reduces pain and inflammation while promoting cellular healing.
• Safe, effective, and non-surgical, with no side effects.

4. Rapid Release Therapy (RRT)

• Uses high-speed vibration to dissolve muscle knots, scar tissue, and deep tissue tension.
• Effective for muscle spasms and chronic pain relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, we are here to help. Contact White Oak Chiropractic at (707) 446-1714 to schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute phone consultation. We will work with you to find the best therapy for your specific needs and help you move toward a pain-free life.

Dr. Jane Baxley and her team are dedicated to providing expert chiropractic care at White Oak Chiropractic, located at 785 Alamo Drive, Suite 150, Vacaville. Visit our website at whiteoakchiropractic.com to learn more about our services and read patient reviews.

References:

1. Chiropractic Success Academy
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). “Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Conditions.” Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org
3. Netter, F. H. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.
4. Miller, M.D., & Thompson, S.R. (2020). DeLee, Drez, & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
5. Miniato, M.A., Anand, P., & Varacallo, M. (2020). “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Shoulder.” StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536933
6. Mayo Clinic. (2021). “Shoulder Pain.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shoulder-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050696