Published on: 5/21/2025
What Causes Pain That Moves From the Neck to the Shoulder?
Moving pain between the shoulder and neck can be caused by issues like cervical radiculopathy or non-specific neck pain, which may involve the nerves or muscles in the neck.
Explanation
There are several causes of pain that moves between the neck and one or both of your shoulders. One common cause is cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve in the neck gets pinched or irritated. This can make pain move from the neck to the shoulder. People might feel better when they lift their arm over their head, which is called the shoulder abduction relief sign.
Another cause could be non-specific neck pain, which is not linked to a clear injury or condition. This type of pain might be related to physical factors like posture or muscle strain. It can make the neck and shoulders feel sore or stiff without a specific reason.
Understanding these causes can help in finding ways to feel better. If someone experiences ongoing pain, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
(References)
- Fast A, Parikh S, & Marin EL. (1989). The shoulder abduction relief sign in cervical radiculopathy. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2719545.
- Norlander S, & Nordgren B. (1998). Clinical symptoms related to musculoskeletal neck .... Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine, 9825389.
- Kim WD, & Shin D. (2024). Physical Factors Associated with Non-Specific Neck Pain. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 38952002.
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