Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What causes neck and shoulder pain at the same time? ›

A pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain that radiates toward your shoulder. This is also known as cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy most often comes from changes in your spine due to aging or injury. Bone spurs can cause a pinching of the nerves that run through the hollow space in the vertebrae.

First, ease the early intense pain with rest, ice, and heat; then move on to gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. Later, avoid bad posture and other habits that could trigger another neck pain crisis. The causes of routine strain-and-sprain neck pain vary.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce inflammation and decrease discomfort. Acetaminophen and naproxen are other over-the-counter medicines that can effectively relieve the pain of a stiff neck.

You may want to see a doctor if your symptoms linger for longer than a week of self care, or if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand, or if your pain was caused by a fall, blow, or injury.

Seek immediate medical care if neck pain is associated with the following symptoms: Severe pain. Tingling, numbness or weakness in arm, shoulder or hands. Radiating pain.

medication, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants. wearing a soft cervical collar. ice, heat, and other local therapies. steroid-based injections, such as a cervical epidural block, cervical facet joint block, or medial branch block.

Keeping hydrated can help decrease general neck pain and even the severity and frequency of tension headaches. Drinking water helps in regulating blood pressure, which can help with those “throbbing” headaches. Try to drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily, not soda or other liquids, for best results.

Sleeping on your side or back can help you keep the stress off your neck and manage pain. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach if possible. Sleeping on your stomach puts your neck at an awkward angle that may make your pain worse.

You can try Voltarol gels for neck pain caused by sprains, strains, and bruises of your muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient in Voltarol Gel and Plaster relieves pain and reduces inflammation, helping to speed up natural healing. So you can get back to enjoying moving again!

Sitting and spending many hours in front of a computer are significant contributors to neck and shoulder pain. “Even just getting out of that position – walking, swimming, cycling or anything that gets you moving – can be enough to relieve the pain,” Sterling says.

What is the best exercise for neck and shoulder pain? ›

Stand or sit erect with cnin tucked in close to chest. Turn head slowly to right, trying to bring your chin over your right shoulder Hold for three seconds; rotate head back to center position. Pause. Repeat in opposite direction.

Alternate heat and cold.

Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 15 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours. After that, use heat. Try taking a warm shower or using a heating pad on the low setting.

Issues involving your heart, lungs, abdominal organs, and spinal cord can all cause shoulder pain and sometimes neck pain. Take your symptoms seriously and see your healthcare provider as soon as you can after neck or shoulder pain starts.

Sometimes it's caused by a pulled muscle or an injury, such as a shoulder separation. But it can also be a sign of something more serious, like heart disease or cancer. If you're feeling this type of pain, particularly if it's worsening or persistent, see your healthcare provider.

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Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.