Is That Pain Emanating From Your Neck or Shoulder?

Considering how much you rely on your neck and shoulders for support and mobility, pain in the region can disrupt your routine,  making everything from sitting comfortably to jogging impossible. 

There’s a lot of overlap between neck pain and shoulder pain, given that these parts of your body sit close together and share nerves. So how can you tell where your pain starts? Determining that can be one of the keys to finding relief. 

Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, diagnoses and treats painful conditions to restore your well-being and quality of life. He can also rule out anything serious.

Let’s dive into neck versus shoulder pain, including common causes, ways to determine the starting point, and effective solutions.

Causes of neck and shoulder pain

Both neck and shoulder pain — whether or not the pain radiates down your back or arms — can stem from sudden injuries and gradual, long-term overuse. 

The pain can also stem from a joint or nerve condition, such as osteoarthritis, a pinched nerve, or disc herniation, or even from an infection.

Lifestyle factors contribute to neck and shoulder pain, too. If you maintain poor posture, seldom exercise, overexercise, or lift objects improperly, for example, you have a heightened risk. 

Mental health challenges, like stress and anxiety, may also fuel your symptoms.

How to tell where your pain starts

The best way to determine the starting point of your neck and shoulder pain is through a comprehensive exam. 

During your appointment, you discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health and medical history. If needed, we’ll order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, to get a closer look. 

We may also test your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and ability to feel particular sensations, such as soft touch or a light prick. 

Seek immediate medical care if you notice additional symptoms, such as:

• A lump in your neck
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Neck and shoulder pain treatment

Neck and shoulder pain treatments range from conservative measures to complex surgeries. Thankfully, most issues respond to noninvasive care.

Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, your treatment plan may include oral or injected medication, specific stretches and exercises, or a wearable collar. If you have an infection, you’ll likely need antibiotics. 

Surgery for neck and shoulder pain usually addresses structural problems (quite rare)  and treatment-resistant symptoms.

To learn more about neck and shoulder pain or to get started with personalized care, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.