Published on: 5/15/2025
What could cause pain in my right shoulder and neck?
Pain in the right shoulder and neck could be due to issues involving the neck or problems like shoulder impingement.
Explanation
Pain in the right shoulder and neck can have different causes. One possibility is a problem with a pinched nerve coming from the right side of the cervical spine, the portion of the spinal column in the neck. This is because pinched nerves from the neck can send pain to the shoulder.
Another reason for shoulder and neck pain is shoulder impingement. This happens when the shoulder bones press on muscles or tendons, specifically, the rotator cuff. This can lead to overuse of some of the neck muscles leading to pain, as the shoulder is not working optimally.
Key Points:
- Cervical Spine Issues: Problems in the neck can lead to shoulder pain because of nerve connections.
- Shoulder Impingement: This is when bones in the shoulder press on muscles and tendons, leading to pain that might be felt in both the shoulder and neck.
If you have pain in these areas, it might be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional to find out what is causing it and how to make it better.
(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.
- Mimori K, Muneta T, Komori H, Okawa A, & Shinomiya K. (1999). Relation between the painful shoulder and the cervical .... Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 10472000.
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