Shoulder Pain Relief in Vero Beach
Shoulder pain can make even simple daily activities difficult—from reaching into a cabinet to getting dressed or sleeping comfortably. While many people assume the shoulder is always the source of the problem, pain can also originate from the neck, upper back, muscles, or irritated nerves.
At Spinal Health Center, Dr. Brittney Hughes performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the true source of your shoulder pain. By identifying the underlying cause, we develop a personalized treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
Common Symptoms
- Pain when lifting your arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain reaching behind your back
- Shoulder weakness
- Clicking or popping
- Limited range of motion
- Pain while sleeping on your shoulder
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain that radiates down the arm
- Numbness or tingling into the arm or hand
- Shoulder stiffness
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain may be caused by:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder impingement
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Arthritis
- Muscle strains
- Joint dysfunction
- Pinched nerves in the neck
- Poor posture
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive overhead movements
- Auto accident injuries
Our Comprehensive Evaluation
Every patient receives a thorough examination to determine the source of their pain.
Your evaluation may include:
- Health history
- Shoulder orthopedic testing
- Cervical spine evaluation
- Neurological examination
- Muscle strength testing
- Range of motion assessment
- Functional movement evaluation
- Postural assessment
If advanced imaging or referral is appropriate, we'll help coordinate the next steps.
Personalized Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations are based on your diagnosis and goals and may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Gentle shoulder joint mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Soft tissue therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Stretching program
- Kinesiology taping
- Electrical muscle stimulation (E-Stim)
- Heat therapy
- Postural correction
- Home exercise recommendations
Why Choose Spinal Health Center
Comprehensive shoulder evaluations
One-on-one care with Dr. Brittney Hughes
Evidence-based treatment
Personalized rehabilitation plans
Gentle adjusting options
Focus on correcting the underlying cause—not just treating symptoms
Collaboration with orthopedic specialists and imaging centers when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic help shoulder pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care may help shoulder pain caused by joint dysfunction, muscle tension, poor posture, or referred pain from the neck or upper back. After a thorough examination, Dr. Hughes will determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition and create an individualized treatment plan.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Nighttime shoulder pain is common and may be caused by rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or inflammation. In some cases, pain that seems to come from the shoulder actually originates from the neck. A comprehensive examination can help determine the source of your symptoms.
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Absolutely. Nerves that exit the cervical spine supply the shoulder and arm. Conditions such as cervical joint dysfunction, disc injuries, or nerve irritation can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that is felt in the shoulder even though the shoulder itself is healthy.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries can range from inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or complete tears. A physical examination helps determine whether a rotator cuff injury may be contributing to your symptoms.
Will I need an MRI?
Not always. Many shoulder conditions can be diagnosed through a detailed history and physical examination. If Dr. Hughes suspects a significant tendon tear, fracture, or another condition requiring additional evaluation, she may recommend imaging or refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Can chiropractic help frozen shoulder?
Many patients with frozen shoulder benefit from conservative care aimed at improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and restoring movement. Treatment may include chiropractic care, manual therapy, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises based on your stage of recovery.
Should I keep exercising if my shoulder hurts?
That depends on the cause of your pain. Some movements may help improve mobility, while others may worsen your condition. After your evaluation, Dr. Hughes will recommend safe exercises and advise you on activities to avoid during your recovery.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your injury, how long you've had symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. After your examination, Dr. Hughes will discuss her findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
When should I seek immediate medical attention?
Seek immediate medical care if your shoulder pain is accompanied by severe trauma, inability to move the arm after an injury, significant deformity, fever with redness and swelling, sudden severe weakness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. These symptoms may indicate a condition that requires urgent medical evaluation.
Schedule Your Shoulder Evaluation
You don't have to live with shoulder pain. Whether your symptoms are due to an injury, poor posture, repetitive activities, or pain originating from your neck, Dr. Brittney Hughes is committed to identifying the cause and helping you recover with personalized, evidence-based chiropractic care.
Schedule your shoulder evaluation today at Spinal Health Center and take the first step toward moving comfortably again.
