man-with-pain-shoulder

Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

Shoulder pain can make even the simplest movements—reaching, lifting, or sleeping—feel uncomfortable or impossible. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pinch, or stiffness that just won’t go away, shoulder issues often tie back to spinal misalignments, poor posture, or nerve irritation.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we help patients find lasting relief from shoulder pain by addressing the root of the problem—not just the symptoms. Dr. Luis Lopez uses in-house digital X-rays and full-spine assessments to evaluate how your neck, upper back, and shoulder are working together—and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

A man sitting on a bed, clutching his shoulder in pain while grimacing.

Understanding Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body—made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all have to work in harmony. When something throws that system out of balance, pain, stiffness, or weakness can follow.

Shoulder pain may be caused by direct injury, overuse, poor posture, or issues that start in the spine or neck. Because the nerves that control the shoulder originate in the cervical spine, even a minor misalignment in the neck can lead to discomfort in the shoulder, arm, or upper back.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we take a full-body approach to evaluating shoulder pain. Dr. Lopez will assess not only your shoulder joint, but also the alignment and function of your spine—so your care plan addresses the real source of the problem.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

Shoulder pain can show up in many different ways—sometimes in the joint itself, other times as radiating discomfort from the neck or upper back. The pain may be constant, or it might only appear when you move a certain way or try to lift something.

Common symptoms of shoulder-related issues include:

  • Dull, aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm

  • Sharp or pinching pain when lifting or reaching overhead

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion

  • Tingling or numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand

  • Weakness when trying to lift or rotate the arm

  • Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side

  • Radiating discomfort from the neck to the shoulder blade

If these symptoms are limiting your ability to work, sleep, or stay active, chiropractic care may help address the root cause—especially if it involves spinal misalignment or nerve irritation.

young-man-with-headset-with-shoulder-pain

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can result from many different factors—including injury, overuse, poor posture, or spinal misalignment. Because the shoulder joint is so mobile, it’s also more vulnerable to strain, instability, and dysfunction—especially when the spine or nervous system isn’t working properly.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Rotator cuff strain or inflammation

  • Poor posture or forward head position

  • Neck or upper back misalignment (cervical or thoracic spine)

  • Repetitive overhead movements (lifting, reaching, sports)

  • Bursitis or tendinitis

  • Nerve irritation or “pinched nerves” in the neck

  • Old injuries or scar tissue limiting joint mobility

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez focuses on identifying whether spinal issues, muscular imbalances, or nerve involvement are contributing to your pain—and creates a care plan designed to relieve pressure, improve alignment, and support healing.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach to shoulder pain by addressing the underlying issues affecting your joints, muscles, and nerves. Whether your pain stems from a local injury or spinal misalignment, chiropractic treatment can help restore proper movement and reduce inflammation—so your body can heal.

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez uses gentle, targeted techniques to:

• Improve alignment in the cervical and thoracic spine

• Relieve pressure on nerves that control the shoulder and arm

• Reduce muscle tension and joint strain

• Increase range of motion and stability in the shoulder

• Support better posture and shoulder mechanics

By treating the spine and surrounding structures, we help restore balance to the entire shoulder complex—not just relieve the pain temporarily. Your care plan will be based on a thorough evaluation and tailored to your exact needs.

Young woman grimacing and clutching her neck in pain, wearing a white shirt, against a plain light background.

Our Approach at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC

At Lopez Chiropractic, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to shoulder pain. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation and care plan based on their spinal alignment, joint function, and health goals.

Dr. Lopez takes time to understand when your shoulder pain started, what movements aggravate it, and how it’s affecting your daily routine—from work to sleep to basic mobility.

Detailed Health History

We perform hands-on testing and movement evaluations to assess posture, shoulder mechanics, and any contributing spinal misalignments or nerve irritation.

Full-Spine Assessment

Our digital imaging helps us evaluate your spinal alignment and rule out structural causes of shoulder pain with clarity and precision.

In-House Digital X-Rays

We proudly serve the Shelby community en inglés y español, so every patient feels informed, supported, and cared for throughout their healing process.

Bilingual Support

Once we identify what’s driving your shoulder pain, Dr. Lopez will build a care plan tailored to your body—not just your symptoms.

Therapies We May Recommend

At Lopez Chiropractic, we treat shoulder pain with more than just spinal adjustments. Dr. Lopez may recommend a combination of therapies designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support the healing of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.

Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Realign the cervical and thoracic spine to reduce nerve interference and restore healthy shoulder function.

  • Graston Technique: Break down scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions in the shoulder and upper back to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.

  • Mechanical Traction: Gently decompress the spine, especially in the cervical and upper thoracic regions, to relieve tension on nerves affecting the shoulder.

  • Electric Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim): Relax tense muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the shoulder and upper back.

  • Heat or Ice Therapy: Target stiff, swollen, or irritated tissue to soothe pain and improve circulation in the shoulder region.

  • Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthen the rotator cuff, stabilize the shoulder blade, and improve posture to help prevent future flare-ups.

These therapies are selected based on what’s actually going on inside your body—not just what hurts on the surface.

Treatment at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC

Shoulder pain can affect people of all ages and lifestyles—from active individuals to those with more sedentary routines. Because the shoulder is involved in so many everyday movements, even small issues can quickly become limiting if left untreated.

Who Gets Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

• Office workers with poor posture or extended screen time

• Athletes involved in throwing, lifting, or overhead movements

• Parents and caregivers who regularly lift or carry children

• Construction workers and tradespeople with repetitive strain

• Older adults experiencing age-related joint degeneration

• People recovering from falls, car accidents, or previous injuries

Common groups affected by shoulder pain include:

If you live in or around Shelby, NC and are struggling with shoulder discomfort—whether it's sharp, stiff, or simply won’t go away—chiropractic care may help relieve symptoms and restore better function without surgery or medication.

Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain in Shelby, NC

Chiropractic care isn’t just about short-term pain relief—it’s about helping your body function better over time. By restoring alignment and relieving pressure on irritated nerves, chiropractic treatment can help address the root cause of shoulder pain and reduce the chance of future flare-ups.

With consistent care, many patients experience:

  • Improved shoulder mobility and range of motion

  • Reduced stiffness, tension, and inflammation

  • Better posture and upper body alignment

  • Fewer headaches, neck issues, or nerve-related symptoms

  • Less dependence on pain medications or anti-inflammatories

  • Improved sleep, comfort, and daily movement

  • A lower risk of chronic shoulder dysfunction or reinjury

At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Lopez focuses on long-term results—not just temporary fixes. Our goal is to help you move more freely, feel more comfortable, and live with fewer limitations.

bearded-man-has-shoulder-pain

Shoulder Pain FAQs

  • Yes. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nerve function—both of which play a major role in shoulder health. By reducing nerve irritation and improving posture, chiropractic care often relieves pain and restores shoulder mobility.

  • It’s never too late to get evaluated. Even old injuries can create lasting joint restrictions or postural imbalances that cause discomfort. Chiropractic care can help correct those patterns and support better function going forward.

  • Yes. At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we include in-house digital X-rays as part of your initial evaluation. This allows Dr. Lopez to clearly identify any spinal misalignments or structural issues contributing to your shoulder pain.

  • Not necessarily. Many patients find relief with conservative chiropractic care and never need injections or surgery. If your case requires co-management, Dr. Lopez will refer you to the appropriate provider.

  • Some patients feel relief within a few visits, while others may take a few weeks depending on the severity of the issue. Your response to care will be monitored closely, and your treatment plan will be adjusted as needed.

Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in Shelby, NC

If shoulder pain is limiting your movement, interrupting your sleep, or making daily tasks more difficult, it’s time to take the next step. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez offers thorough evaluations—including in-house digital X-rays—and customized care designed to relieve discomfort and restore mobility.

Whether your pain is new, chronic, or related to posture or injury, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the things you enjoy—without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your chiropractic evaluation today.