Why Your Shoulders Are Sore and What You Can Do About It

Given the drastic changes in modern-day life compared to 1000, and even 100 years ago, it’s no wonder why so many people seem to have shoulder problems! This guide explains why this is the case, discusses ‘hanging’ and ‘pulling’ as underrated solutions and also explains how the different treatments offered by chiropractors at The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic can help in various ways.

Posture and screen usage

With the development of more screen time usage at work and home many of us are tending to sit and slouch much more than we were made to. An ergonomic work station set-up can help but only if we are using the chair and set-up correctly.. Poor eye-sight can als lead to us leaning in to the screen and smaller devices tend to cause us to slump our shoulders and head forward more. This posture can place a long stretch on the upper trapezius this can lead to more aching and pain in the shoulder muscles.

Upper-body Exercises

Many patients find that strengthening the upper body and arm muscles generally with light weights can reduce many aches and pains.

The ‘facepull’ is by far and away  one of the best cable-based exercise for your upper back, traps, and shoulders - this can be adapted in many ways by using skipping ropes, leaning back slowly from a pole, and even using your bed sheets!  The rowing action exercises also help strengthen the muscles at the back of the shoulder, this often helps people with shoulder problems.When doing the exercises make sure that you set yourself in a good posture so that you train your muscles in a better posture.

Chiropractic Treatment

Prolonged shoulder strain and poor usage may lead to inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. A great solution is to pursue gentle chiropractic treatment to reduce muscle tightness and improve function. For example, in 2012 82% of UK patients who pursued chiropractic treatment considered their shoulder problems either fully or at least 75% resolved.

However, it’s important to choose the correct treatment:

Myofascial release: focuses on releasing those tight connective tissues around the shoulder joint.

Spinal manipulation: improves the function of the cervical  and thoracic spine, this can decrease pain and irritation from nerves which traverse down the arm.

Mobilisation: improves the shoulder’s range of motion as well as decreasing stiffness.

For more information on shoulder pain, and any other questions you may have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sheffield-based Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic today!