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Health & Fitness

The Real Reason Your Shoulders Ache

It's more than just fatigue. An expert breaks down the signs of shoulder misalignment and how you can correct your posture for good.

(Palisades Medical Center)

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.


That nagging stiffness and soreness you feel after a long day at your desk might be more than just fatigue. According to Siddhant Mehta, M.D., Ph.D., an orthopedic surgeon and the Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center, your shoulder alignment could be the culprit.

Are your shoulders out of sync? Dr. Mehta explains that shoulder movement is a delicate "dance" between your upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collar bone. When they're not moving in harmony, it can lead to pain, weakness, and even difficulty raising your arm. The primary cause for this misalignment may surprise you—it's often due to poor posture that has become second nature.

Think you might be at risk? Dr. Mehta outlines the tell-tale signs, from pain around the shoulder blade to a "winged scapula." But don't despair—he also offers simple, preventative measures you can take today. From being more mindful of your posture to incorporating yoga, small changes can make a big difference. If you're already experiencing discomfort, physical therapy with specific stabilization exercises could be the key to strengthening your shoulder muscles and finding relief.

Curious to learn more about how to protect your shoulders and improve your posture? Click to read the full story and get all of Dr. Mehta's expert advice.


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This post is sponsored and contributed by Palisades Medical Center, a Patch Brand Partner.