Top Frozen Shoulder Causes You Should Know
Have you ever woken up unable to reach for your coffee cup or brush your hair? Your shoulder feels locked, with deep aching pain that worsens at night. You might be experiencing frozen shoulders – a condition affecting millions of adults worldwide. Understanding frozen shoulder causes is your first step toward prevention and treatment.
What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder occurs when your shoulder joint capsule becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. Think of it like plastic wrap gradually tightening around your shoulder joint.
This condition literally “freezes” your shoulder’s movement. Doctors describe it as “a progressive loss of shoulder motion due to scar tissue formation within the joint capsule”.
The restriction develops gradually, often catching people off guard as daily activities become increasingly difficult.
Common Symptoms and Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct phases:
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The question “what causes frozen shoulders” has multiple answers. Several factors often combine to create this condition.
1. Post-Injury and Prolonged Immobilization
This ranks among the most common frozen shoulder causes we see:
- Shoulder fractures requiring extended immobilization
- Post-surgical recovery periods
- Prolonged sling use
- Any injury causing extended shoulder rest
Dr. Robert Neviaser’s research shows immobilization for more than 3-4 weeks significantly increases frozen shoulder risk. What causes frozen shoulders after surgery is typically this same immobilization response.
2. Systemic Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions dramatically increase your risk:
Diabetes:
- Frozen shoulder causes in diabetics are well-documented
- Diabetic patients are 2-5 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder
- High blood sugar affects collagen structure in joint capsules
Other conditions include:
- Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism)
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune conditions
3. Postural and Biomechanical Issues
Poor posture creates significant frozen shoulder risk factors:
- Forward head posture
- Rounded shoulders
- Hunched upper back
- Desk job positioning
Can poor posture cause frozen shoulder?
Absolutely. Poor spinal alignment forces shoulders to work in unnatural positions, creating stress over time.
Dr. Lisa Martinez found office workers with poor ergonomics were 60% more likely to develop shoulder problems.
4. Hormonal and Age Factors
Top frozen shoulder causes in adults often involve hormonal changes. A research shows 70% higher risk in women during hormonal transitions
- Women aged 40-60 are at highest risk
- Menopause-related hormone decline affects connective tissue
5. Lifestyle and Occupational Factors
Your daily activities significantly impact shoulder health:
High-risk occupations:
- Sedentary desk jobs
- Repetitive overhead work
- Construction and painting
- Prolonged computer use
Lifestyle factors:
- Poor sleep positions
- Lack of regular exercise
- Chronic stress and muscle tension
Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?
Understanding causes of frozen shoulder in adults helps with prevention:
Key Prevention Strategies:
- Early mobility after injury or surgery
- Gentle movements as soon as medically cleared
- Avoid prolonged immobilization
- Daily shoulder exercises
- Pendulum swings
- Wall slides
- Gentle stretching
- Posture correction
- Proper desk ergonomics
- Regular movement breaks
- Chiropractic care for spinal alignment
- Manage underlying conditions
- Control diabetes effectively
- Address thyroid issues
- Reduce chronic inflammation
Our Chiropractic BioPhysics® Approach to Frozen Shoulder
At ChiroSolutions Center, we take a comprehensive approach to addressing frozen shoulder causes through Chiropractic BioPhysics®. This scientific approach focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment and posture to improve overall biomechanics.
When your spine is properly aligned, your shoulders function in their intended position and movement patterns. This reduces stress on joint capsules and improves nerve communication to shoulder muscles, helping prevent compensation patterns that can lead to frozen shoulder.
Our approach recognizes that shoulder problems rarely exist in isolation. By treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, we achieve better long-term outcomes and help prevent future issues.
Take Action Today
Understanding the various frozen shoulder causes empowers you to take proactive steps toward prevention and treatment. Early intervention is crucial – the sooner we address the underlying causes, the better your outcomes will be.
If you’re experiencing shoulder stiffness or pain, don’t wait for it to progress. The combination of chiropractic care, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications can effectively address both the symptoms and underlying causes of frozen shoulder.
We invite you to schedule an evaluation at ChiroSolutions Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Together, we can identify your specific risk factors and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your shoulder problems, helping you return to the activities you love without pain or restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress cause frozen shoulder?
Yes. Chronic stress creates muscle tension and inflammatory responses that contribute to joint problems.
Is frozen shoulder hereditary?
Not directly, but genetic factors influencing diabetes, thyroid disorders, and inflammation can increase family risk.
Why do diabetics often get frozen shoulder?
High blood sugar affects collagen structure, making joint capsules prone to stiffness and inflammation.
Can poor posture cause frozen shoulder?
Yes. Poor posture creates biomechanical stress on shoulder joints over time.
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