Chiropractic & Shoulder Pain

Written By Matthew Ross

Neck and shoulder pain affect millions worldwide—whether it's the tension from long hours at a desk, the throbbing after a workout, or the nagging stiffness that just won't go away. At Oak Chiropractic, we believe that when your spine and nervous system are supported, your body can move freely—and that opens up a life of possible rather than probable.

Why Neck & Shoulder Pain Matters

Neck pain ranks among the top musculoskeletal complaints, with around 30–50% of adults experiencing it annually—and 50–85% of sufferers still feeling symptoms 1–5 years later. Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal issue after back and neck pain, significantly impacting daily life and productivity.

Living the Life of Probable

When left untreated, neck and shoulder pain can limit your ability to work, drive, exercise, or even enjoy a conversation. Over time, pain becomes the new normal—leading to chronic conditions, reduced movement, and a dependence on medications. This is the life of probable. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

How Chiropractic Care Makes a Difference

Chiropractors specialize in spinal manipulation—a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust designed to restore joint movement and reduce nervous system irritation. This manual therapy, combined with mobilization and posture correction, can ease pain and support recovery.

Thoracic and cervical spine adjustments often have immediate benefits: improved neck range of motion, reduced pain, and enhanced shoulder function—even in cases like impingement syndrome .

Evidence-Based & Guideline-Endorsed

Clinical research and guidelines increasingly support the role of manipulation and manual therapy in managing neck and shoulder pain:

  • Systematic reviews find that spinal manipulation or mobilization, often combined with exercise, is both safe and effective for chronic non‑specific neck pain.

  • Best-practice consensus recognises multimodal care—including manipulation, soft‑tissue therapy, and exercise—as the most effective for shoulder conditions.

  • Guidelines recommend thoracic and cervical manipulation as a first‑line treatment, highlighting improvements in pain and function for upper quadrant disorders.

Oak Chiropractic’s Unique Approach

Our goal? To help you break free from pain and return you to the life of possible—being able to lift your kids, carry groceries, focus at work, or enjoy your favourite activity without restriction.

Here’s how we do it:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment – Understanding your posture, movement, and nervous system function.

  2. Targeted Adjustments – Focusing on spinal segments that influence your neck and shoulder.

  3. Supportive Care Plan – Including exercise, posture advice, and self-care strategies.

  4. Progress Monitoring – Adapting over time to optimise recovery and prevent recurrence.

If chiropractic isn’t the best option, we’ll let you know—and help guide you to the appropriate care.

References:

Matthew Ross
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The Low Back Pain Crisis