Straight Talk: Jordan Sudberg on How Poor Posture Leads to Shoulder Pain
In today’s digital world, where slouched shoulders and bent necks are part of everyday life, shoulder pain has quietly become one of the most common complaints among adults. According to renowned pain management specialist Jordan Sudberg, poor posture isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a leading cause of chronic shoulder pain.
If you’ve been dealing with aching, stiffness, or limited range of motion in your shoulders, your posture might be the real culprit. Let’s dive into Dr. Sudberg’s expert insights on how posture affects shoulder health—and what you can do to fix it.
The Posture–Pain Connection
Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains that your shoulder joint is one of the most mobile—and vulnerable—joints in the body. “The shoulder depends heavily on muscle balance and proper alignment. When posture is off, it throws the whole system out of sync,” he says.
Common posture issues like forward head position, rounded shoulders, and slouched spines put extra stress on the upper back and shoulder muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to:
- Muscle imbalances
- Pinched nerves
- Inflammation in the rotator cuff
- Referred pain to the neck and upper arms
The Silent Damage of Tech Neck
With remote work and screen time on the rise, Sudberg warns that “tech neck” is becoming a leading contributor to poor posture-related shoulder pain.
“People spend hours hunched over their phones or laptops. That constant forward tilt pulls on the shoulders and upper spine, gradually leading to discomfort and dysfunction,” he notes.
Jordan Sudberg’s Top Tips for Posture Correction and Shoulder Relief
Dr. Sudberg recommends a mix of awareness, exercise, and ergonomics to improve posture and relieve shoulder pain:
1. Reset Your Workspace
Your desk setup matters more than you think. Sudberg advises:
- Keep your screen at eye level
- Use a chair with lumbar support
- Sit with your feet flat and shoulders relaxed
“Small changes in your environment can prevent years of discomfort,” he adds.
2. Practice Postural Check-Ins
Every hour, take 30 seconds to realign your body:
- Roll your shoulders back
- Tuck your chin slightly
- Engage your core
- Lengthen your spine
These mini “reset moments” help retrain your muscles over time.
3. Strengthen and Stretch the Right Muscles
According to Sudberg, the key is balancing strength and flexibility in your upper body. Try:
- Wall angels to open the chest
- Scapular retraction exercises
- Gentle shoulder stretches
- Upper trapezius and levator scapulae releases
“Consistency is key,” he says. “A few minutes a day can bring lasting results.”
4. See a Specialist Before It Gets Worse
If your shoulder pain persists, don’t wait. Dr. Jordan Sudberg encourages early intervention. “Pain is your body’s way of asking for help. Addressing it early can prevent more serious conditions down the line, like frozen shoulder or nerve impingement.”
Posture Is Power
Poor posture may feel harmless at first, but over time, it can seriously impact your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. The good news? You have the power to correct it—and with the guidance of specialists like Jordan Sudberg, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
By paying attention to your posture and making small, daily improvements, you can relieve shoulder pain and prevent future issues—while feeling more confident and energized in the process.
Final Thought:
Your posture tells a story. Make sure it’s one that supports your health, not your pain. Trust your body. Trust the process. And if you need support, Jordan Sudberg and his expertise in pain management are here to help you every step of the way.
