Neck and Shoulder Pain

Neck pain treatment

Neck pain is the second most common reason people seek chiropractic care, and for good reason — the cervical spine is one of the most mobile and vulnerable regions of the body. Whether your neck pain started after an accident, developed gradually from years of desk work, or wakes you up in the morning with stiffness that takes hours to fade, chiropractic treatment targets the mechanical cause rather than just managing the symptom.

Common causes of neck pain

• Forward head posture — for every inch your head sits forward of your shoulders, the effective load on your cervical spine increases by approximately 10 pounds. Over time, this creates chronic strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and accelerated degeneration.
• Cervical disc problems — bulging or herniated discs in the neck can compress nerve roots, causing pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand along with numbness or tingling.
• Whiplash and trauma — auto accidents, falls, and sports impacts can damage the ligaments, muscles, and joints of the cervical spine. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the injury.
• Degenerative changes — cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck) is common with age and can narrow the space available for nerves, causing pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms.
• Muscle tension — prolonged screen time, stress, and poor sleeping positions create chronic tightness in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles.

A simple posture test

Stand sideways in front of a mirror and draw an imaginary line from the center of your shoulder to your ear. If the center of your ear isn't directly above your shoulder, you have forward head posture. The further forward your head sits, the more stress your cervical spine absorbs — and the more likely you are to develop chronic neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, and even numbness or tingling in the arms.

The good news: forward head posture is correctable with proper chiropractic care and targeted rehabilitation exercises.

Shoulder pain treatment

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body — capable of reaching overhead, behind the back, and across the chest. That mobility comes at a cost: the shoulder joint is inherently shallow and relies heavily on muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability rather than bony architecture. This makes it vulnerable to a range of injuries.

Common causes of shoulder pain

• Rotator cuff injuries — the four small muscles that stabilize the shoulder (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) are prone to strain, tendinopathy, and tears from overuse or acute injury
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — progressive stiffness and pain that severely limits range of motion, often developing after a period of immobilization or without clear cause
• Impingement syndrome — the rotator cuff tendons become pinched between the humeral head and the acromion during overhead movements, causing pain and inflammation
• Bursitis — inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled cushions) in the shoulder, often from repetitive overhead activity
• Referred pain from the neck — cervical disc problems and nerve root irritation can produce pain that is felt in the shoulder even though the source is in the neck

The neck-shoulder connection

Neck and shoulder problems frequently coexist. The nerves that supply the shoulder originate in the cervical spine, and the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade attach to the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. A patient who presents with shoulder pain may also have an underlying cervical problem — and vice versa. Dr. Baldwin evaluates both regions to ensure the actual source of pain is identified and treated.

Our treatment approach

Dr. Baldwin uses a combination of techniques tailored to your specific condition:

• Cervical and thoracic adjustments — restore proper joint mechanics in the spine and reduce nerve irritation
• Shoulder mobilization — gentle joint manipulation to improve range of motion and reduce impingement
• Soft tissue therapy — Graston technique, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to break up adhesions and relax tight muscles
• Acupuncture — reduce inflammation and pain, particularly effective for frozen shoulder and chronic tendinopathy
• Rehabilitation exercises — progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and deep cervical flexors to prevent recurrence
• Postural correction — exercises and ergonomic guidance to address forward head posture and rounded shoulders

Dr. Baldwin has extensive training in both spinal and extremity conditions, allowing him to treat the full spectrum of neck and shoulder problems under one roof.

Is neck and shoulder treatment covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover chiropractic evaluation and treatment for neck and shoulder conditions. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins, and we offer self-pay options for services not covered by your plan.

Contact us at 303.647.9196 or Schedule Appointment to schedule an evaluation and start getting relief from your neck or shoulder pain.