Why Shoulder Pain Won’t Go Away (And What to Do About It)

Shoulder pain can feel like a minor annoyance at first—until you can’t sleep, can’t lift a bag of groceries, and can’t even shampoo your hair without wincing. Sound familiar?

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing shoulder pain that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. In fact, millions of Americans experience chronic shoulder discomfort, often without ever getting a clear answer on what’s causing it—or how to fix it.

Let’s unpack why your shoulder pain might be lingering—and what you can do about it (without jumping straight to surgery).

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Many people assume their shoulder pain is just a result of aging or overuse. But it’s often more complex. Some of the most common culprits include:

  • Rotator cuff injuries – small tears or inflammation in the muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – stiffness and restricted range of motion that develops over time

  • Shoulder impingement – when tendons rub against bone due to poor alignment or posture

  • Arthritis – degeneration of the joint that causes inflammation and pain

  • Referred pain – from the neck or spine, creating discomfort in the shoulder

Why It Doesn’t Just Go Away

Your body is built to heal, so why won’t this get better with rest or painkillers?

  • Poor posture and alignment – especially forward head posture or a misaligned spine

  • Nerve involvement – shoulder pain may be a result of pressure on nerves in the neck or upper back

  • Muscle imbalances – overcompensation due to weakness or injury in surrounding muscles

  • Repetitive strain – repetitive tasks at work or home can inflame the joint further

How We Treat Shoulder Pain at Active Spine and Joint Institute

We take a full-body approach to healing—not just where it hurts. Our shoulder pain treatment options include:

  • Chiropractic Care – realigns the spine and shoulders to reduce nerve irritation and promote healing

  • Occupational Therapy – helps restore strength and mobility through hands-on therapy and customized exercise programs

  • Cold Laser Therapy – accelerates tissue healing and reduces inflammation

  • Decompression Therapy – especially helpful if nerve compression is contributing to the problem

  • PulseWave Therapy – uses acoustic pressure to break up scar tissue and stimulate healing

When to Seek Help

If your shoulder pain has lasted more than a few weeks—or if it’s interfering with sleep, work, or daily movement—it’s time to get to the root cause.

"Don’t ignore shoulder pain. It rarely just 'goes away'—but the right treatment can help you get back to doing what you love without pain."


Ready to finally get relief from shoulder pain? Call Active Spine and Joint Institute today to schedule your personalized consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free future.

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