How to Reduce Shoulder Pain

Oct 24, 2021

how-to-reduce-shoulder-pain
Whether you spend a lot of time seated at a desk or picking up and carrying around children, aches and pains are not uncommon. We put a lot of pressure on our joints when we are sitting still in the same position for hours or if we are moving around, picking up, and carrying things or little ones. Both these types of activities can put stress and strain on the structures that make up and support your shoulder joint. If you experience shoulder pain, then you want to visit your chiropractor in College Park to learn how you can reduce your pain and discomfort for good.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can keep you from going about your regular routine and doing the things you enjoy. You can develop shoulder pain gradually due to wear and tear on the shoulder joint, because of a sudden injury, or as a symptom of a health condition. Daily wear and tear on the shoulder can come from pressure, especially repetitive movements that can stress and strain the muscles and tendons that support this ball and socket joint. A sudden injury suffered during a car accident or sports activity can also lead to shoulder pain. Health conditions like arthritis can also cause inflammation and pain in the shoulder.

5 Ways to Reduce Shoulder Pain

Depending on the severity of your shoulder pain, there are things you can try to help reduce your shoulder pain at home and with the care of your chiropractor.

Use Cold and Hot Compresses

Cold and hot compresses can help decrease pain symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve healthy circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients in the area. When you apply a cold compress to a shoulder that is in pain, it can provide a temporary numbing effect. Cold compresses also help to reduce inflammation. Once any inflammation has gone down, you can also apply hot compresses that can soothe stiff, aching muscles.

Change Your Sleep Position

Many people sleep on their side, which can put a lot of pressure on the shoulder joint. You may need to change your sleep position if you are dealing with shoulder pain. If you are dealing with shoulder pain and are typically a side-sleeper, try sleeping on your back with a relatively flat pillow that keeps your head aligned with your neck and shoulders.

Practice a Healthy Posture

Shoulder pain can also accompany other issues, like neck and upper back pain due to poor posture. If you work hunched over a computer for long hours at a time, you may experience pain and discomfort in your neck and upper back after a long day of work. You may also be surprised to feel shoulder pain because of poor posture, but many people who hunch forward actually allow their shoulders to roll forward, which can weaken the muscles and tendons that provide support to the shoulders. Instead, set a timer to remind yourself to sit up straight and roll your shoulders back and also take a break and stretch throughout the day.

Strengthen Neck and Shoulder Muscles

Strengthening your muscles can help provide better support and stability for any joint. When it comes to the shoulder joint, strong neck and shoulder muscles can help your shoulder experience a wide range of motion without the pain and discomfort. Gentle stretches and exercises like yoga can use your own body weight and musculature to improve your strength and provide you with lasting pain relief. When you stretch your muscles, you are encouraging healthy blood flow to the area, which also brings oxygen and nutrients that bring healing to the area.

Visit Your Chiropractor

Chiropractors help address a wide variety of pain symptoms, injuries, and conditions that impact your bones and joints. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, then talk to your chiropractor in College Park about additional steps you can take and treatment options to help provide lasting relief from your shoulder pain. Your chiropractor can address your current symptoms, as well as help you prevent future pain from developing again in the future.

To find a chiropractor in College Park near you, visit AICA Orthopedics and learn more about our team of chiropractors and pain management specialists who can help address all your concerns.

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