Question
I have a lot of pain in both shoulders and arms.  I am unable to lift my arms out to the side the pain and restriction will not allow me to do that.  I have sharp stabbing pains in both shoulders and arms even when sitting still.  X-rays have shown nothing.  Can a chiropractor help?

Answer
Joan,

Thank you for your question and I hope that I can provide some answers to lead you in the right direction.  

I am assuming that you have had x-rays of the shoulder joints and the neck.  If you have not had x-rays of the neck, you need them!  This is a common problem that I have seen over the years.  If the neck x-rays were done and don't show anything, then this is a myofascial and joint capsule problem.  However, adhesive capsulitis is usually a one sided problem.  In other words, it will affect only the right or left shoulder joint and muscles.  When both are affected, it is usually the neck, cervical spine, that is the culprit.  

I do believe even with your short explanation that the chiropractor is the place for you.  I say this because it is obviously a mechanical problem and the chiropractor is your best answer for mechanical conditions. I recommend seeing your chiropractor for a consultation and examination and neck x-rays, if you haven't had them already.  After he checks you out, he should let you know what he finds and what he intends to do about it.

I am also assuming that your family doctor has just given you pain meds and talked about some physical therapy.  I recommend that you see the chiropractor first.

Make an appointment for next week, and then after you see him, contact me again through allexperts.com and I will let you know what I think about your situation and his recommendations.  Be sure to get a diagnosis term that you can give to me to better clarify your condition.  Then I will let you know what type of treatment and how much would be best to get this pain out of your life.  You have way to much to do to be messing with this.

I look forward to your reply and to helping you with this problem.

God Bless,

Dr. Boss