Severe Shoulder Pain for 20 Days

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

— The True Cause Was a Cervical Disc Problem

A man in his 40s visited our clinic with severe right shoulder pain that had lasted for nearly 20 days, to the point where he could not sleep at night.
He had already received shoulder treatment at another medical center and had undergone a shoulder MRI.

The MRI showed a partial tear of the shoulder muscle, which can certainly cause pain.
However, the patient’s symptoms, pain pattern, and physical examination results suggested that something more was contributing to the severity of his discomfort.

■ The Real Source of Pain: Cervical Disc Involvement

Through a detailed cervical spine evaluation and neurological testing, we found clear signs of cervical disc irritation and upper cervical dysfunction (C1–C3).

Cervical nerve irritation often causes:

  • Pain radiating to the shoulder and upper arm

  • Night pain that prevents sleep

  • Severe tension in the trapezius and levator scapulae

  • Limited shoulder range of motion

These findings indicated that the cervical spine, not the shoulder joint itself, was the primary pain generator.

■ Treatment at Our Clinic

Based on the patient’s exam findings, the following integrated treatment plan was provided:

1) Upper, mid, and lower cervical chiropractic adjustment

  • Corrected cervical misalignment

  • Reduced nerve irritation

  • Improved neck–shoulder biomechanics

2) Myofascial release and injection therapy

  • Reduced muscle tension and myofascial adhesions

  • Helped control inflammation and pain

3) IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

  • Released deep muscular trigger points

  • Improved neuromuscular function

■ Outcome After Treatment

Immediately after treatment, the patient experienced:

  • Significant pain relief

  • Improved shoulder mobility and range of motion

He expressed that this was the first time in 20 days his pain had meaningfully decreased, and he could move his shoulder more comfortably during daily activities.

■ Key Medical Points

  • Even when MRI shows a shoulder muscle tear, the cervical spine can still be the main source of pain.

  • Severe shoulder pain lasting more than 2 weeks—especially with night pain—should include cervical spine evaluation.

  • Upper cervical dysfunction commonly causes trapezius and scapular muscle tension, leading to secondary shoulder pain.

👍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

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