Shoulder Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Issue? – The Connection with the Upper Cervical Spine

by Son PMR(Physical medicine &Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Shoulder pain is a common issue in daily life. Many people think it is simply caused by muscle tension or overuse, but in reality, it is often closely related to the upper cervical spine. Today, we will explain why it is essential to assess the upper cervical spine when experiencing shoulder pain.

The Relationship Between Shoulder Pain and the Upper Cervical Spine

1. Connection with the Nervous Pathways

The cervical spine (neck bones) is a crucial passageway for nerves. In particular, the upper cervical spine (C1–C3) is directly connected to the brainstem and influences the cervical nerves (C3–C5) and the brachial plexus.

If the alignment of the upper cervical spine is disrupted or becomes unstable, it may compress nerves, interfering with signal transmission to the shoulder and arm. This can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Dull or tingling pain in the shoulder

  • Increased pain with certain movements

  • Numbness or weakness in the shoulder and arm

2. Influence on the Autonomic Nervous System

The upper cervical spine also plays a role in balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. If its alignment is altered, nerve function may deteriorate, leading to increased muscle tension or, conversely, muscle weakness.

Excessive tension in the surrounding shoulder muscles (trapezius, levator scapulae, etc.) can result in chronic pain.

3. Changes in Spinal Alignment and Posture

The upper cervical spine serves as the starting point for spinal alignment. If this area is misaligned, it can affect overall posture and lead to unnecessary tension in the shoulder muscles.

For example, in cases of forward head posture (commonly known as “text neck” or “turtle neck syndrome”), continuous strain on the shoulder muscles often results in pain.

4. Issues with Blood Flow and Lymphatic Circulation

The upper cervical spine influences the vertebral artery and lymphatic circulation. If its movement is restricted or its alignment is disrupted, blood flow to the shoulder and surrounding muscles may be reduced, increasing muscle fatigue and inflammatory responses, thereby exacerbating shoulder pain.

5. Connection with the Craniocervical Junction and TMJ Dysfunction

The upper cervical spine is also closely linked to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the skull. If its alignment is off, TMJ function may be impaired, placing additional strain on the muscles around the shoulders and neck during activities such as chewing or speaking. This imbalance can lead to chronic pain in the shoulder and jaw.

Finding the Root Cause of Shoulder Pain

When experiencing shoulder pain, many people seek relief through physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture. While these methods may provide temporary symptom relief, the pain may persist if the underlying cause is not addressed.

If you experience any of the following, it may be beneficial to assess not only your shoulder but also your upper cervical spine:

✅ Shoulder pain that persists for a long time or recurs frequently
✅ Stiffness or discomfort in the neck and arm in addition to shoulder pain
✅ Limited relief from conventional physical therapy or massage
✅ Discomfort when moving in specific directions

Conclusion

Although shoulder pain may seem like a simple muscle issue, it is often related to upper cervical spine alignment. If your shoulder pain is chronic or does not improve with traditional treatments, evaluating the alignment of your upper cervical spine may be essential.

With accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, we can help alleviate pain effectively and improve your quality of life.

Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

Feel free to reach out for further consultation or to schedule an appointment.


댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

 What is Central Sensitization? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Central sensitization refers to a condition where the brain and spinal cord become abnormally sensitive to pain signals following an injury or inflammation. In simpler terms, the pathways that perceive pain become overly reactive, causing individuals to experience excessive pain from minor stimuli or persistent pain even after healing . Key Features of Central Sensitization Amplified pain responses (Allodynia) Pain is felt even with non-painful stimuli, such as light touch or gentle movement. Increased pain sensitivity (Hyperalgesia) Painful stimuli feel much more intense than usual. Persistent pain Pain can continue even after the original injury or inflammation has resolved. How Central Sensitization Develops Peripheral nerve injury or inflammation → Continuous transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain → Hyperexcitab...
자세한 내용 보기
[Case Study] Improvement of Hyperacusis, Facial and Ear Pain, and Dizziness in a Woman in Her 60s through Upper Cervical, TMJ, and Myofascial Integration Care by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A woman in her early 60s presented to our clinic with the following symptoms: Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) Persistent facial pain and inner ear discomfort Dizziness triggered by neck and shoulder muscle tension Tightness and pressure in the temporomandibular (TMJ) region Despite prior evaluation by ENT and neurology specialists, no structural abnormalities were found on imaging studies. Medication had limited effect. Given the complexity of her symptoms, we performed a functional assessment of the upper cervical spine, TMJ region, and cervical myofascial chains, and applied a multi-modal, non-invasive approach. Treatment Overview Upper Cervical Manual Integration (C0–C2) Assessment tools: posture analysis, prone leg check, head rotation test...
자세한 내용 보기
Why Is My Knee Swollen, and Why Does It Take So Long to Heal? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul – Understanding Knee Swelling and Recovery Strategies Many people have experienced knee swelling and discomfort at some point. At first glance, it may seem like a minor issue, but in reality, it often takes longer than expected to heal. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of knee swelling , why recovery tends to take time , and what treatment options may help . 1. What Causes Knee Swelling? Knee swelling is not a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom with a variety of possible causes. Here are some of the most common: ✅ ① Trauma or Overuse Injuries from sports or prolonged walking can lead to inflammation in the knee joint, resulting in swelling. ✅ ② Meniscus or Ligament Injury Damage to structures like the meniscus or cruciate ligaments may cause internal bleeding or increased joint fluid, leading to visible swelling. ✅ ③...
자세한 내용 보기