Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatment

Neck and shoulder pain is a common issue that affects people of various ages. Discomfort in this area can lead to challenges and disruptions in daily activities. But what are the causes of neck and shoulder pain, and how can it be treated? 

What is neck & shoulder pain?

Neck and shoulder pain occurs when the muscles in these areas become stiff, leading to discomfort and restricted movement when turning the head or neck. This condition not only causes fatigue and discomfort but can also be a warning sign of serious musculoskeletal issues such as cervical spondylosis, herniated cervical discs, and spinal bone spurs, which may put pressure on spinal nerve roots.

Many individuals rely on painkillers for quick relief, but prolonged use without medical guidance can lead to side effects such as swelling, stomach ulcers, or even drug resistance. To ensure effective treatment, it is crucial to accurately diagnose the underlying cause and apply appropriate treatment methods for neck and shoulder pain.

Common symptoms

Neck and shoulder pain can be identified through the following symptoms:

• Pain typically occurs after waking up, performing strenuous activities, or sitting in the same position for extended periods.
• Discomfort worsens with prolonged standing or sitting, neck movement, coughing, sneezing, or changes in weather.
• Pain tends to ease with rest.
• The pain may radiate from the shoulder down to one or both arms, leading to numbness, heaviness, and restricted movement.
• Touching the shoulder blade area may cause numbness, indicating heightened sensitivity.
• Even light walking can sometimes trigger pain in the neck and shoulders.
• Sleeping on one side may worsen the pain.
• In some cases, additional symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, or vertigo may occur.

Causes of Neck & Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder pain can arise from various factors, which can be categorized into three main groups: mechanical causes, pathological causes, and other contributing factors.

Mechanical Causes

• Poor Posture: Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods, bending the neck for too long, resting the head on a chair, or sleeping in an improper position can restrict blood and oxygen flow to the muscles, leading to stiffness and pain.
• Unhealthy Habits: Sitting in front of a fan or air conditioner for too long, taking late-night showers, and frequent exposure to rain or sun can affect the nervous system, causing muscle discomfort.
• Overtraining: High-intensity workouts, incorrect posture, or skipping warm-ups can strain the neck and shoulders, resulting in long-term pain.
• Occupational Factors: Jobs requiring prolonged sitting or standing can hinder blood circulation in the neck and shoulder area, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the neck and shoulder can result in pain, stiffness, headaches, and muscle spasms.
• Whiplash: A sudden jerking motion of the neck can cause tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain, stiffness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
• Heavy Lifting: Carrying heavy objects with poor posture can overstretch muscles and create an imbalance of essential nutrients, contributing to neck and shoulder pain.

Pathological Causes

Neck and shoulder pain can also indicate underlying medical conditions, including:

• Nerve Dysfunction: Overstretching or compression of nerves in the neck and shoulder region can lead to pain and numbness.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Bone spurs on the cervical spine can compress nerves, causing stiffness and discomfort, particularly upon waking up. This condition is more common in individuals over 40.
• Cervical Disc Herniation: Weakening of the cervical discs can lead to the nucleus pulposus pressing on nerve roots, resulting in pain and limited movement.
• Spinal Bone Calcification: Calcium deposits in the vertebrae can form bone spurs, which may compress spinal nerves and cause persistent pain.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the shoulder joint due to injury or trauma can result in pain and restricted movement.
• Shoulder and Thoracic Joint Disorders: Prolonged poor posture can cause excessive muscle contraction, leading to shoulder and neck tension.
• Stable Angina: Chest pain due to narrowed coronary arteries can sometimes radiate to the shoulders, neck, back, or jaw.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Neck pain accompanied by headaches may result from tight muscles, neck misalignment, or nerve compression, often mimicking migraine symptoms.
• Cancer: In some cases, persistent neck and shoulder pain may signal head, neck, or lung cancer. About 75% of head and neck cancers are linked to excessive alcohol and tobacco use.

Understanding the underlying causes of neck and shoulder pain is crucial for determining the most effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Other Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain

Several additional factors can contribute to neck and shoulder pain, including:

• Aging: As the body ages, the musculoskeletal system and other organs gradually degenerate, leading to a higher chance of having neck and shoulder issues in older adults.
• Weather Changes: Seasonal shifts, especially colder temperatures, can worsen neck and shoulder pain. Lower air pressure causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing oxygen and blood flow to the muscles.
• Cold Exposure: Cold temperatures can affect nerve function, leading to increased pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can weaken the peripheral nerves, increasing the risk of neck and shoulder discomfort.

Is Neck and Shoulder Pain Dangerous, and When Should You See a Doctor?

While neck and shoulder pain can often be mild and temporary, it can also lead to serious health concerns if left untreated.

Doctors caution that untreated pain may spread to the shoulders and arms, causing numbness, tingling, and persistent discomfort, ultimately impacting daily activities and overall well-being. In severe cases, prolonged or untreated neck and shoulder pain can result in dangerous complications such as:

• Vestibular disorders (affecting balance and coordination)
• Increased risk of cerebral ischemia (restricted blood flow to the brain)
• Sensory disturbances in the limbs
• Autonomic nerve root pain
• Paralysis of one or both arms

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Neck and shoulder pain lasting more than a week
• Increasing pain intensity and frequency, even while at rest
• Additional symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, nausea, or shortness of breath
• Severe pain following a sudden injury, which may indicate muscle or ligament damage requiring urgent medical intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.

Common Diagnostic Methods for Neck & Shoulder Pain

• Clinical Examination and Medical History – The doctor assesses symptoms and medical history to rule out other possible conditions.
• X-ray Imaging – Provides a clear view of vertebral spacing, potential tumors, and abnormalities in the bone structure.
• CT Scan – Produces detailed cross-sectional images of the neck and shoulder for a more in-depth evaluation.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Helps detect issues related to the spinal cord, nerves, and ligaments.
• Myelography – An alternative to MRI, used to examine the spinal cord and nerve roots.

How to manage Neck & Shoulder Pain?

If you’re dealing with neck and shoulder pain, seeking medical advice is essential to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. Below are some common approaches to managing the condition:

Home Remedies for Pain Relief

• Cold Therapy: Apply a cold gel pack or ice wrapped in a soft towel to the affected area for the first three days after the onset of pain. Use it for up to 20 minutes at a time, five times daily, to reduce swelling and stiffness.
• Heat Therapy & Massage: After the initial cold therapy period, applying heat using a heating pad or a warm compress can improve blood circulation and relax the muscles. Gentle massages may also help relieve discomfort.

Medication

• If the pain persists, a doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as Paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or medicated patches.
• It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid self-medicating, as prolonged or excessive use can lead to adverse effects on the stomach, liver, and kidneys.

Surgical Intervention

• Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The necessity of surgery depends on the severity of the condition, and post-surgical care is essential to ensure recovery.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy: Customized exercises and rehabilitation programs prescribed by a doctor can help alleviate acute neck and shoulder pain.

Chiropractic Care

• Chiropractic care is widely recognized for its long-term effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal issues without medication or surgery. ACC Chiropractic Clinic is a pioneer in Vietnam in combining chiropractic adjustments with physiotherapy & rehabilitation programs, helping many patients alleviate neck and shoulder pain while restoring cervical spine function.
• This treatment involves spinal adjustments to correct subluxations, directly addressing the root cause of pain. Depending on the case, additional supportive technologies such as the Cervico 2000 cervical decompression device, DTS Decompression traction therapy, ATM2 rehabilitation system, Class IV Laser or shockwave therapy may be recommended.

Lifestyle & Nutrition for Recovery

To enhance treatment effectiveness, patients should incorporate lifestyle and dietary changes, including:

• Adhering strictly to medical advice and not discontinuing treatment prematurely.
• Avoiding excessive twisting or straining of the cervical spine.
• Changing posture regularly and avoiding prolonged sitting or lying in one position.
• Practicing gentle neck exercises such as head rotations and tilting movements.
• Consuming essential nutrients for bone and joint health, such as Calcium, Omega-3, Vitamins C, D, E, B-complex, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin.
• Reducing intake of greasy foods and avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and other stimulants.

Preventing Neck & Shoulder Pain

To reduce the risk of pain, consider the following preventive measures:

• Avoid prolonged sitting – Change positions frequently or take breaks to stretch every 45 minutes.
• Maintain proper screen height – Position your computer screen at eye level and adjust your desk and chair so that your elbows form a right angle while typing.
• Use your phone correctly – Hold your phone at eye level and avoid tilting your head down for extended periods.
• Avoid shoulder strain – Refrain from holding the phone between your shoulder and ear while talking.
• Sleep properly – Do not rest your head on the desk while sleeping.

If you experience persistent neck and shoulder pain, contact us now via hotline / Whatapp +84 946 740 066 for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Addressing the issue early can help prevent complications and improve overall well-being.