What are the common causes of pain in the neck and shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Neck and shoulder pain is most commonly caused by cervical spine issues (such as pinched nerves, herniated discs, or muscle strain) and shoulder problems like rotator cuff impingement, which can radiate upward and feel like neck pain. Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms, identifying the true source is essential for effective relief.

Since neck and shoulder pain can stem from many overlapping causes—ranging from minor muscle strain to nerve compression—guessing the cause can delay proper care. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what's going on, understand possible conditions, and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Neck and shoulder pain can come from different places. Sometimes, the pain is because of problems in the neck, like issues with the cervical spine. Other times, the pain might actually be coming from the shoulder, such as when there's shoulder impingement. Shoulder impingement is when the shoulder bones and tissues rub against each other, causing pain that might feel like it's in the neck.

Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain

Cervical Spine Issues: Problems in the neck's bones, discs, or nerves can cause pain. This is often felt in both the neck and shoulder areas.
Shoulder Impingement: This happens when the shoulder tissues get squeezed, which can lead to pain that feels like it's in the neck.

Understanding the Pain

Neck Pain: Often linked to the cervical spine, which is the part of the spine in the neck.
Shoulder Pain: Can sometimes feel like neck pain, especially if it's due to shoulder impingement.

It's important to figure out where the pain is coming from to get the right help. If you're unsure, our free AI symptom checker can help you understand what might be causing your discomfort and guide you toward the appropriate next steps.

(References)

Pateder DB, Berg JH, & Thal R. (2009). Neck and shoulder pain: differentiating cervical spine .... Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances, 19995495.
Gorski JM, & Schwartz LH. (2003). Shoulder impingement presenting as neck pain. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 12672838.
Fish DE, Gerstman BA, & Lin V. (2011). Evaluation of the patient with neck versus shoulder pain. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 21824582.

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