Shoulder & Arm Pain

Shoulder and arm pain can affect nearly everything you do — from reaching for something on a shelf to getting a good night's sleep. What surprises a lot of my patients is that the source of their shoulder or arm pain often isn't in the shoulder at all. In many cases, it's coming from the neck or upper spine.

Where Does the Pain Come From?

The nerves that control your shoulders, arms, and hands all originate in the cervical spine — your neck. When a vertebra in the neck is misaligned, a disc is herniated, or a nerve is pinched, the pain can radiate all the way from the neck through the shoulder and down into the arm, hand, or fingers. This is called referred pain, and it's incredibly common.

Of course, shoulder pain can also originate in the shoulder itself — from rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, or bursitis. And arm pain can come from conditions like tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. The key is figuring out exactly where the problem is before jumping into treatment. That's what your first visit is all about.

How We Treat Shoulder and Arm Pain

During your initial consultation, I'll examine your neck, upper spine, and shoulder to determine whether the pain is originating from a spinal issue, a local shoulder problem, or both. This is important because the treatment approach differs depending on the source.

If the pain is related to cervical spine misalignment or nerve compression, I'll use Thompson drop table adjustments to gently realign the neck vertebrae and relieve the pressure on the affected nerves. The Activator method is particularly useful for the cervical spine because it delivers a precise impulse without any twisting of the neck — something patients tend to appreciate.

For shoulder-specific issues, chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder joint itself can improve range of motion and reduce inflammation. I'll also recommend specific stretches and exercises that target the shoulder girdle and upper back, helping to strengthen the area and prevent recurring problems. Many of my patients who came in unable to lift their arm above their head are back to full function within a few weeks.

Shoulder or arm pain keeping you from your daily routine? Come see us at our Speedway or Oro Valley location. Walk-ins welcome, or call (520) 319-1234.