Can a Chiropractor Treat Neck and Shoulder Pain?

Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat neck and shoulder pain by correcting spinal misalignment, reducing muscle tension, and improving posture.

At Axis Chiropractic in Charleston, SC, our goal is not just to ease discomfort temporarily but to correct the root cause of pain through advanced, research-based chiropractic methods.

Neck and shoulder pain affects millions of people every year, often limiting work, sleep, and daily activities.

You may feel stiffness when you turn your head, soreness across your shoulders, or tension that leads to headaches.

By understanding the causes and warning signs, you can take early action and choose care that delivers lasting relief.

Common Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain

There are five leading causes of neck and shoulder pain that we see most often in our Charleston clinic:

• Poor posture develops when you sit at a desk or use a mobile for an extended period, leading to cervical misalignment and muscle fatigue.

• Injury occurs from car accidents, sports, or sudden movements that strain the muscles and joints.

• Degeneration of spinal discs and joints happens naturally as you age, leading to stiffness and nerve pressure.

• Repetitive lifting and improper ergonomics at work commonly lead to muscle strain in the neck and shoulders.

• Nerve compression occurs when vertebrae or tight muscles press on nerves, creating radiating pain into the shoulder blade or arm.

Each of these causes relates to structural imbalance, when the neck is misaligned, shoulder motion and stability are directly affected.

How Neck Alignment Affects Shoulder Function

The neck and shoulders share interconnected nerve pathways, especially from the C5–C7 cervical nerve roots.

When these nerves become compressed or irritated, they can send pain signals into the shoulder blade, upper arm, or even the fingertips.

Chiropractic adjustments and posture correction help restore normal nerve communication, improving muscle coordination and reducing radiating pain across the upper body.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

You should pay close attention to several red-flag symptoms that signal a need for professional care:

• Constant stiffness in your neck or shoulders that does not improve after rest.

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness traveling into your arms or hands.

• Frequent headaches beginning at the base of your neck.

• Difficulty turning your head fully or lifting your arms without pain.

• Recurring discomfort even after stretching.

If you notice these signs, you should schedule a chiropractic evaluation. At Axis Chiropractic, we identify the source of your problem and prevent it from becoming chronic pain.

How Our Chiropractic Techniques Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain

If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, chiropractic care offers a path to lasting relief.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Our chiropractor performs gentle chiropractic adjustments to realign the neck and shoulders. These adjustments improve joint motion and reduce nerve irritation.

Research shows that spinal manipulative therapy can reduce pain by an average of 46% compared with 30% for medication in the short term (PubMed)

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)

We specialize in Chiropractic BioPhysics, a research-based technique that focuses on posture correction.

CBP retrains spinal alignment for long-term improvement, not just temporary relief. Patients often experience better posture, more energy, and reduced strain across the shoulders.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on spinal discs that may cause nerve pain.

Clinical studies show success rates of 71–89% for patients with herniated or bulging discs (Loucil Chiropractic, Walker Road Chiropractic).

Another study found that 86% of patients with disc herniation reported good or excellent results after decompression therapy (PMC).

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy uses light energy to reach deep tissues. This treatment accelerates soft tissue healing and reduces inflammation, allowing you to recover faster and move with less pain.

Miracle Wave Therapy

Miracle Wave therapy uses acoustic sound waves to treat chronic muscle and soft tissue pain. Patients often notice improved circulation, reduced scar tissue, and significant relief after a series of sessions.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

At Axis Chiropractic, we strive to go beyond short-term relief to establish a foundation for lifelong spinal health.

Sustainable Pain Relief and Prevention

A long-term study of 545 patients found that only 11% experienced recurring neck pain within one year of chiropractic care, meaning 89% remained pain-free (Chiro-Trust).

Increased Range of Motion

Perform daily movements freely again, such as turning your head, lifting your arms, and bending, without stiffness or discomfort.

Reduced Dependence on Medication

By correcting the root cause, chiropractic care allows natural healing and reduces reliance on painkillers and their side effects.

Better Overall Health and Posture

Relieving nerve interference through spinal adjustments also improves sleep, decreases headaches, and enhances energy and focus.

Safe, Non-Invasive Solution

You can avoid the risks, costs, and recovery time associated with surgery or other invasive procedures.

Patients across Charleston and Mount Pleasant choose our clinic for gentle, results-driven chiropractic care.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment

At Axis Chiropractic, we guide you through a clear, personalized care process.

1. Initial Consultation and Posture Analysis

During your first visit, we’ll listen to your concerns, perform a posture analysis, and take digital X-rays if needed to locate misalignments causing your neck and shoulder pain.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your evaluation, we design a plan tailored to your health goals, combining adjustments, decompression, and posture correction exercises to achieve your objectives.

3. How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most patients experience measurable improvement within 6–12 visits, with some noticing relief even sooner. We monitor your posture and function at each stage to ensure long-term success.

New patients in Charleston can schedule a posture evaluation to get started today.

Risks and Safety of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for most people, but awareness is important.

Mild Soreness After Adjustments

You may experience temporary stiffness or soreness after your first few visits, a normal sign that your body is adapting to better alignment.

Not for All Conditions

Chiropractic cannot treat severe fractures, infections, or tumors. In such cases, we’ll refer you to the proper medical specialist.

Consistency Matters

Skipping visits can slow progress. Patients who follow their full treatment plan achieve stronger, longer-lasting results.

A 2024 BMC study found that starting with chiropractic care reduced the risk of opioid prescriptions by 32% and opioid-related complications by 70% (BMC).

How to Prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain Through Better Posture

Daily Posture Habits

You should keep your head aligned with your shoulders, whether you are sitting or standing. You should avoid slouching forward while reading, texting, or working at a desk. At night, support your neck with a pillow that keeps your spine straight.

Ergonomic Tips for Work and Home

For your workspace, choose a chair with strong back support. Adjust your computer screen to be at eye level, and place your keyboard so your elbows stay at a 90-degree angle. You should also take a short break every 60 minutes to stretch and reset your posture.

Simple Exercises and Stretches to Maintain Alignment

To keep your muscles balanced, perform simple movements like chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes, and gentle side stretches.

For the best results, repeat these exercises two or three times each day. These movements improve flexibility and reduce tension.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Even if you follow posture tips, you may still feel stiffness, tingling, or recurring pain. When prevention is not enough, you should schedule a posture evaluation at Axis Chiropractic.

We will identify the underlying problem and create a corrective care plan that protects your long-term health.

Chiropractic vs. Other Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I feel relief?

Most patients feel noticeable relief within the first 2 to 3 sessions. Your improvement depends on the cause of your pain, your posture, and how long you have experienced symptoms.

Does insurance cover chiropractic?

Yes, many insurance plans include coverage for chiropractic care. The level of coverage varies, so we help you check your benefits before you begin treatment.

Should I see a chiropractor or a massage therapist?

You should see a chiropractor when you want to correct the cause of neck and shoulder pain. You may add massage therapy for extra muscle relaxation.

Expert Chiropractor in Charleston, SC

At Axis Chiropractic, Dr. Lee Russo (24+ years of experience, CBP certified) leads a team specializing in spinal rehabilitation and posture correction.

With advanced tools, evidence-based CBP protocols, and personalized care plans, our clinic helps patients of all ages achieve long-term spinal health.

📌 Don’t let neck and shoulder pain limit your life — book a consultation with Axis Chiropractic in Charleston, SC, and take the first step toward lasting relief.