Infographic: Neck Pain (larger view) Neck and shoulder pain commonly occur together. This combination of pain can be particularly challenging because both the neck and shoulder may have reduced motion, which can affect many more routine activities compared to when just the neck or shoulder is involved. Show
See Could That Shoulder Pain Really Stem From the Neck? What Does Neck and Shoulder Pain Feel Like?Neck and shoulder pain may start suddenly, such as after an injury, or gradually. Many people with neck and shoulder pain experience one or more of the following:
In some cases, the neck and shoulder pain may worsen with certain activities, such as turning the head to the side, working above the head, or participating in sports. For others, the pain may worsen when resting, such as when sitting or trying to sleep. advertisement Development of Neck and Shoulder PainThe neck and shoulder are interconnected by many nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and other tissues. A problem in the neck can send pain to the shoulder, and vice versa. Some of the underlying biomechanics that can contribute to both neck and shoulder pain include:
Many other factors may be involved with developing neck and shoulder pain, such as stress or anxiety.2 Sometimes neck and shoulder pain may have more than one cause or separate causes. In This Article:
advertisement Getting a Diagnosis for Neck and Shoulder PainSeek a medical evaluation for neck and shoulder pain if any of the following are true:
Only a trained medical professional can give an accurate diagnosis. Once an accurate diagnosis is reached for the specific cause of neck and shoulder pain, an effective treatment plan can be started. See Diagnosing Neck Pain References
What causes shoulder and neck pain on right side?It's often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.
When should I worry about neck and shoulder pain?Seek medical care for neck pain with numbness or loss of strength in the arms or hands or for pain that shoots into a shoulder or down an arm.
Can pain in right shoulder be heart related?Unexplained shoulder and arm pain can sometimes be a warning sign of a heart attack, which is a medical emergency. People should see a doctor if they are concerned about pain in their right shoulder and arm or if the pain is not improving.
What is right shoulder pain a symptom of?The most common cause of shoulder pain occurs when rotator cuff tendons become trapped under the bony area in the shoulder. The tendons become inflamed or damaged. This condition is called rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.
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