Top 6 Causes of Shoulder Pain That Won’t Go Away

Have you been dealing with nagging shoulder pain that won’t let up? This chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your work, sleep, and making even simple everyday tasks a huge struggle.

At Zaker Chiropractic, the trusted provider of natural, noninvasive shoulder pain treatment, we help patients with chronic shoulder pain regain mobility and live pain-free. Let’s explore the causes of shoulder pain that won’t go away and discover how we can help you relieve pain.

6 Leading Causes of Persistent Shoulder Pain

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff tears and tendonitis are a few of the common rotator cuff injuries that cause shoulder pain. The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, plays a crucial role in the body's mobility and stability. 

Common symptoms include:

• Deep or mild shoulder pain when lifting or rotating the arm
• Muscle weakness in the arm or the shoulder
• Pain and stiffness when moving the shoulder
• Reduced range of motion or mobility 

When the rotator cuff tendons become torn or inflamed, often a result of aging, overuse injury, repetitive strain, or sudden trauma due to heavy lifting or falling, it can lead to chronic shoulder pain and limit the body's range of motion. 

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, refers to joint stiffness and a reduced range of motion. It often begins with sudden pain in the shoulder blade or upper arm, followed by gradually increasing stiffness. 

As the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and scarred, pain and restriction intensify over time. Typical symptoms are:

• Reduced mobility in the shoulder due to stiffness
• Aching or shoulder pain, especially at night
• Struggling to lift the arm or perform daily activities

Frozen shoulder often develops after an injury, surgery, or a prolonged period of immobility. As frozen shoulder progresses, lifting your arm or reaching overhead can become increasingly difficult, eventually leading to persistent shoulder pain. 

3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement refers to when the rotator cuff tendons get compressed between the bones of the shoulder, leading to inflammation and persistent shoulder pain. This condition is prevalent among athletes and those who engage in repetitive overhead activities. 

You may feel the following:

• Aching in the shoulder, especially when lifting or rotating the arm
• Stiffness or muscle weakness in the shoulder or arm
• A feeling of pain and tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Reduced range of motion or mobility

4. Tendonitis or Bursitis

Tendonitis or bursitis in the shoulder causes severe pain and discomfort. When the tendons or fluid-filled sacs become inflamed due to repetitive movement or strain, it can lead to sharp or radiating shoulder pain.

Common symptoms include:

• A sharp or radiating pain in the shoulder or arm
• Redness or swelling in the affected area
• Pain and stiffness when moving the shoulder
• Warmth or tenderness to the touch 

Symptoms may worsen when lifting or reaching, so addressing this issue promptly helps prevent further discomfort and shoulder pain. 

5. Arthritis in the Shoulder Joint

Arthritis can cause severe shoulder joint pain and stiffness, reducing mobility. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder. 

You may often feel:

• Shoulder joint pain or stiffness that worsens with movement
• Reduced range of motion or mobility
• A grinding or crunching sensation in the shoulder joint
• A swelling or redness in the affected area

Early arthritis treatment helps manage these symptoms and enables you to regain mobility, making it essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.  

6. Referred Pain from Neck or Spine

In some cases, the causes of shoulder pain that won't go away stem from issues in the spine and other triggers for neck pain, including nerve compression and spinal misalignment. This referred pain can make finding the root cause of a painful shoulder challenging.

Symptoms typically include:

• Neck, arm, upper back, and shoulder pain
• Muscle weakness or stiffness in the shoulder or arm
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand 

A thorough chiropractic or healthcare professional assessment can help determine if spinal health contributes to chronic shoulder pain. Addressing the underlying spine problems or causes of neck pain may provide pain relief for shoulder pain. 

How a Chiropractor Can Help with Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to shoulder pain treatment. Through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, posture correction, and rehabilitative exercises, a chiropractor can help alleviate chronic shoulder pain and improve overall mobility.

At Zaker Chiropractic, our team provides personalized care and an integrated approach to pain relief for shoulder pain. Discover our nonsurgical treatments for persistent shoulder pain, and see how we can help you manage symptoms and find long-term relief. 

Don’t Ignore Ongoing Shoulder Pain

Understanding the causes of shoulder pain that won't go away is crucial for effective treatment. Whether the reason is a stubborn injury, chronic inflammation, or an underlying condition, pinpointing the root cause can help you take the right steps toward healing.

Don't let a painful shoulder hold you back for longer. Early evaluation and chiropractic treatments can make a huge impact in managing chronic shoulder pain. Treat shoulder pain—schedule your consultation with Zaker Chiropractic today!