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Frequently Asked Questions
About Arm and Shoulder Pain

• What Can I Do to Ease the Pain Temporarily?
• What Can the Doctor of Chiropractic Do to Help?
• What Can I Do to Prevent Arm and Shoulder Pain?

Apply an ice pack(s) to the area to reduce inflammation and swelling and thereby decrease the pain. Use the ice pack(s) for periods of 20 to 30 minutes with at least a 30-minute interval between each application.

If you have insidious, recurring pain, apply moist heat to the back of the neck, arm and shoulders. Use the heat for periods of 20 minutes with at least a 30 minute interval between each application. A word of caution: these are temporary remedies and not a substitute for seeking immediate professional evaluation and care.

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What Can the Doctor of Chiropractic Do to Help?

Doctors of chiropractic are educated and trained in the detection and care of problems related to the spine. Your first visit to the chiropractor will include a complete chiropractic examination. X- rays may be ordered to screen for possible underlying pathologies and to reveal extreme distortions of the spine.

If your doctor of chiropractic feels that chiropractic care is appropriate in your case, he/she may give you an adjustment to help reduce the misalignments and ease the pressure on the spinal nerve roots. In addition your chiropractor may advise you on therapeutic exercises, job safety, work-related posture and dietary information.

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What Can I Do to Prevent Arm and Shoulder Pain?

Your doctor of chiropractic cannot correct pain in the arm and shoulder without your help. These steps can help:

• Don't sleep on a stack of pillows, or even one thick pillow. By doing so you can put stress on the upper back and neck.
• Don't read or watch television while lying down. This can contort the neck. Always sit upright.
• Don't carry heavy purses or bags with a shoulder strap. The weight can pull on the neck and shoulder causing further pain.
• When doing work that requires you to bend your neck downward or face the same direction for long periods take frequent breaks.
• Be strict in following good postural habits when standing, sitting and walking.
• Follow a regular schedule of appropriate exercises to help strengthen your back and neck. Your chiropractor can recommend the best exercise program for you.

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Source: International Chiropractors Association