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can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders

Can a Woodstock, GA, Chiropractor Fix Uneven Shoulders?

Written by kristin on . Posted in Chiropractic Care.

Having uneven shoulders can cause a wide range of issues, creating discomfort and affecting a person’s day-to-day functions. For these reasons, many people ask, “Can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders?”

This guide from Woodstock’s reliable chiropractic care clinic will explore the causes of uneven shoulders and how chiropractic adjustments can help. 

The Most Common Causes of Uneven Shoulders 

Before answering, “Can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders?” let’s first look at some of the most common causes of uneven shoulders: 

Overusing Your Shoulders or Using Your Shoulders Incorrectly 

Unfortunately, many Woodstock, GA, patients can cause misaligned or uneven shoulders by overusing their muscles. A couple of examples include using one side or a hand for virtually every action and carrying heavy weight frequently on your dominant shoulder. 

Certain High-Risk Activities 

Activities like playing golf, tennis, or baseball increase your risk of developing shoulder issues alongside a poor posture. These activities can also cause specific shoulder issues and further health challenges. 

Lifestyle or Bad Habits 

Patients with a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to develop uneven shoulders. You can also be at risk if you sleep on one side or in an improper sleeping position, or if you practice poor postures while awake.

Scoliosis

There are two main types of scoliosis, functional and structural scoliosis. In structural scoliosis, a patient’s bones have changed their shape, adapting to the patient’s position. Meanwhile, improper postures create functional scoliosis, but both can trigger uneven shoulders. 

Besides uneven shoulders, you can also experience other symptoms, such as: 

  • Rib pain 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Reduced back mobility 
  • Back pain 
  • Muscle tenderness

An Unleveled Pelvis

An unleveled pelvis can also become an issue, and your body may try realigning your head to correct your unleveled pelvis. This process results in uneven shoulders and poor stability throughout your body. Other symptoms of an unleveled pelvis can include: 

  • Imbalanced muscles
  • Reduced back mobility 
  • Difficulty walking properly 
  • Pain in your hips or lower back

How Can a Chiropractor Assist with Uneven Shoulders? 

A chiropractor in Woodstock, GA, can exercise various chiropractic adjustments to help alleviate your uneven shoulder symptoms and fix the problem altogether. However, treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of your uneven shoulders. 

For example, a mild form of scoliosis may call for manual adjustments alongside specific corrective exercises. Other causes, like a patient favoring one side over the other, may require a manual adjustment alongside changes to that person’s lifestyle. 

Unfortunately, chiropractic treatment can’t always fix some conditions completely, like severe forms of scoliosis. However, the right chiropractic care can reduce overall pain and prevent a condition from worsening. 

How Else Can a Chiropractor Help? 

There’s a misconception that all a chiropractor does is adjust a patient’s spine. However, most chiropractors recognize that many factors lead to problems like uneven shoulders. Here are some other ways a chiropractor can help: 

Recommend the Right Exercises

Many times, a chiropractor will recommend take-home exercises to help speed up your recovery process and prevent further problems. Your chiropractor will start by helping you with your posture. Unfortunately, our modern-day office lifestyles make practicing poor posture commonplace.

Besides practicing better posture, the following stretches can help with uneven shoulders: 

  • The cross-arm stretch
  • The upper trapezius stretch
  • The doorway stretch
  • The shoulder towel stretch 

More laborious exercises like lifting weights can help with healthy muscle development. However, you should always consult with your chiropractor before beginning a new exercise program. 

Can Recommend Changes to Your Lifestyle 

Besides how active you are, many other aspects of your lifestyle can affect your shoulders. A chiropractor may help you design a new diet that can help you manage pain. Other lifestyle changes may include making sure you’re getting enough hours of sleep or avoiding smoking or binge drinking. 

Help You Stop Overusing Pain Medication 

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and TYLENOL are wonderful modern-day conveniences that can help get rid of pain quickly. 

Unfortunately, many people sometimes overuse these medications or prescription pain medications. Furthermore, these medications typically only target symptoms versus underlying causes. 

While there’s a time and place for certain medications, chiropractic care can help patients fix an issue instead of just finding a way to deal with it temporarily. 

Call a Woodstock, GA, Chiropractor Today

Many Woodstock, GA, residents ask, “Can a chiropractor fix uneven shoulders?” While the answer can depend, chiropractic care can treat many underlying causes of uneven shoulders. 

Woodstock, GA, residents who need a chiropractic shoulder adjustment can reach out to Ribley Family Chiropractic to schedule an appointment!