What causes pain that moves from the neck to the shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Moving pain between the shoulder and neck is often caused by cervical radiculopathy, a pinched nerve in the neck that radiates pain, or by non-specific neck pain involving strained muscles and tissues. Other possible causes include poor posture, muscle tension, herniated discs, or referred pain from nearby joints. Because the neck and shoulder share overlapping nerves and muscles, discomfort can shift between the two areas, making it difficult to identify the exact source without a proper evaluation.

Since shifting neck and shoulder pain can stem from many different conditions—some minor, some requiring medical attention—it's important to understand what may be driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes, assess urgency, and guide you toward the right care in just a few minutes.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover cause of neck and shoulder pain Learn if neck shoulder pain needs care Find out what’s causing your neck pain See OTC options for neck shoulder pain Find a doctor for neck shoulder pain Understand evidence-based home remedies for neck pain Check if shoulder pain needs urgent care

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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 you're experiencing ongoing pain, consider using this free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms, and be sure to seek advice from a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

(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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