“My left shoulder is broader than the right. Is this a growth problem?”
Until now I never noticed this, but as I started going to the gym, I observed that my left shoulder is broader than my right shoulder. Is this normal or is it a growth defect that I am suffering with? Can it be corrected in any way?
23 Answers
I would have to do an exam on you to determine if it can be helped. Any questions, feel free to call me at (631)462-0917
This is a hard question to answer without seeing you personally. I recommend that you go see a chiropractor or medical doctor and have them evaluate you. This could be genetic, a long-term injury, nerve dysfunction, or many other possibilities.
This could be as simple as the difference between your dominant hand and your non dominant hand, or it could be as complex as nerve damage in the neck causing muscle weakness and wasting. In order to know the exact cause an exam would need to be done. Either way I work to correct the cause of the issue and have treated patients with this issue in the past.
I am not sure what you mean by broader but since you have not noticed it until lately it is probably just a difference in development. The body is mostly symmetrical but some variation from side to side is common
Depends on how much broader it is. An x-ray would definitely be helpful here in order to rule out some bone growth disorders. You need an exam also to see what is going on here and see if it is correctable and also how it is correctable.
Chistee Lacy
Chiropractor
Hello! If one shoulder is broader than the other, then it could be a congenital defect, growth hormone issue, or a misalignment of the spine. I would suggest that you get necessary medical imaging and diagnostic testing done to confirm. Once you have gotten the necessary testing done, then you will be able to confirm the proper treatment necessary. Hope this helps!
Your description could be developmental, or postural. If there is a congenital or bone malformation that is causing the appearance, then it will not be corrected with exercise. If the deformity is postural or due to imbalance in your shoulder musculature, then it can be corrected, developed, or improved functionally.
A proper exam and spinal X-rays can detect.
You will need a postural and skeletal examination to determine the cause. No one is symmetrical.
Differential diagnosis needed from congenital to acquired conditions.
This would be dependent on the absolute cause of the shoulder imbalance. Are you right or left side dominant? When you are working out, do you consciously try to work both sides equally? Is the range of motion limited or restricted on either side? Is there any pain involved with or without movement?
A shoulder radiograph would provide some information as to determine if there is a structural cause of the imbalance. Correction can only be made when the root cause is detected. If it is a muscular issue, then exercises (stretching and strengthening) would be the best answer. If the cause is due to a bony defect, then a surgical option must be ascertained.
A shoulder radiograph would provide some information as to determine if there is a structural cause of the imbalance. Correction can only be made when the root cause is detected. If it is a muscular issue, then exercises (stretching and strengthening) would be the best answer. If the cause is due to a bony defect, then a surgical option must be ascertained.
This is normal. Our bodies are not symmetrical.
Samuel Cirone
Chiropractor
Are you experiencing any pain? I would seek care from your local chiropractor for an assessment and an adjustment.
Could be a spinal misalignment that's causing the asymmetry.
Depends on any other additional symptoms you may have. If pain and inflammation can be ruled out, then it may be a result of going to the gym. If that is the case, you may have simple imbalances of the muscle tissue. Again, as long as there were no injuries involved. This can be taken care of with changes in your strength resistance protocol or some physical therapy. Chances are it is simply imbalanced muscle development. If you do develop any pain, numbing, or tingling, then take the steps to
further evaluate your shoulder and stop the weight training.
further evaluate your shoulder and stop the weight training.
Good morning and HAPPY FABULOUS FRIDAY. When looking at posture from a structural point of view, several possibilities to one shoulder being broader than the other. Muscle contraction of Levaror Scapula muscle on the shorter shoulder side (right for you), is the muscle from neck toward right shoulder painful to the touch? If so, that contraction will elevate right shoulder, and the result is right shoulder looks shorter and less broad. How long you’ve had this might be indicative on whether or not it can be fixed. Do you work at a computer? If so, then working with mouse always with right hand can alter the musculature from right side of your neck, through shoulder down to wrist, hand, and fingers. Sleeping postures can also lead to unilateral (one side) muscle contraction. Your weight distribution may also be a factor, if a woman or man carries a purse or bag on one shoulder everyday, then over time the body adapts to the stimulus, and people commonly lean to the opposite side to keep purse from sliding off shoulder. How old are you? You mentioned that you’ve noticed it now that you’re working out; key is for workouts to be balanced. If not, workouts can perpetuate the imbalances by making stronger muscles stronger, and the weaker side muscles proportionalely weaker. Another possibility can be a scoliosis (lateral or sideways curve of the spine). Best advice I can offer you is to get a thorough structural exam by a chiropractor, to be sure you’re in balance, and that the stresses to your neck and shoulder are even, and a doctor who can help you learn how to manage your structure so you can live a long, healthy, balanced life.
It’s hard to say without examining it, but you could have asymmetry due to spinal misalignment or a curvature in your spine. The muscles might be compensating on one side. An examination and probably an X-ray would show the bone structure and alignment and would be a good starting point!
It could be normal it depends on how bigger
There's no way of knowing, unless you get X-rays.
Dr. Quentin Smith
Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Quentin Smith
Chiropractic Physician
How old are you?
It may just be an imbalance in the tension of your trapezius muscle. The only way to really know is to get an x-ray and see if there is a structural imbalance.
Thank you for your question. It is normal for one side of our bodies to be slightly larger than the other side (though not typically noticeable and usually on the dominant side). If this issue is concerning or is or becomes painful, seeing a chiropractor that specializes in musculoskeletal conditions is the best course of action to get evaluated and find out what can be done for you.
For many, this is normal.
