Can Neck and Shoulder Pain be Connected?

The neck and shoulder can be two different issues, but in some instances, they can be connected to each other. That’s why when you have pain in either of these places, it’s important you see a healthcare provider to determine the root cause of your pain.

How are they Connected?

Pain from the neck can radiate down into the shoulders by nerves. The shoulders and neck are connected by shared bones, tendons, ligaments, soft tissues, and nerves so that the pain can radiate from one to the other. Similar to how back pain can radiate down your legs, neck pain can radiate down your whole arm.

Shoulder vs. Neck Symptoms

Health Essentials from the Cleveland Clinic identifies pain that originates in your shoulder typically:

  • Develops in the shoulder itself or on the outside of your upper arm
  • Radiates pain in your upper arm
  • It gets worse when you reach overhead or behind your back or when lifting
  • It is worse at night, especially when lying on your side
  • It is more of a dull, persistent ache
  • Feels better after resting your arm

They also identify that neck pain can cause these symptoms:

  • Radiates to your shoulder blade or close to or on the side of your neck
  • Pain that feels like an electrical shock, sometimes radiating down your arm
  • Radiates pain down past your elbow or even into your hand
  • Pain that gets worse when you twist or move your neck
  • Pain that’s not relieved by rest but may be relieved with support

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Some common causes of shoulder pain are:

  • Dislocation
  • Clavicle or upper bone fractures
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Cervical Radiculopathy (pinched nerves)
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Tendonitis from overuse
  • Strains from Overexertion

Common Causes of Neck Pain

  • Poor posture
  • Muscle Strain
  • Motor Vehicle Accident
  • Trauma
  • Tumors
  • Degenerative diseases
  • Abnormalities in the bone or joints

Treatment for the Root Cause of Your Pain is KEY!

If you are having any of these symptoms and pain is preventing you from doing the things that you love, call your doctor today and tell them you want to do physical therapy at Premier! Our team will get you in fast and help you understand where your pain is stemming from.

Call us today at 573-335-7868

 

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-shoulder-pain-actually-caused-by-a-neck-problem/
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-concurrent-neck-and-shoulder-pain-and-how-do-i-treat-it/