| Not surprisingly, shoulder pain can result from a bump, bruise or torn rotator cuff — a separation within the quadruple group of muscles encasing the shoulder joint. What may surprise you, however, is that misaligned cervical vertebrae (bones in the spine of the neck) can also spark shoulder pain.
There are seven cervical vertebrae, numbered C1 through C7. When these vertebrae become misaligned, the result is a condition known as vertebral subluxation. Nerves become trapped between the boney surfaces of the vertebrae: resulting in pain and/or numbness. Misalignment of vertebrae also upsets the natural balance of surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. Dysfunction related to the cervical spine leads to stressed muscles not only in the neck, but also in the entire shoulder girdle: also known as the pectoral girdle. The primary function of the pectoral girdle is to provide an attachment point for the numerous muscles that allow the shoulders and elbow joints to move. When nerves become trapped — due to vertebral subluxation — muscles cease to function properly because they’re no longer getting their biomechanical instructions. Using safe, gentle maneuvers known as chiropractic adjustments, your doctor at Chiropractic for Life realigns vertebrae: correcting the chain of events that may induce spine-related should pain.Dr. Barbara Smith |
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