Shoulder and Neck Pain

Your neck and shoulders contain muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as many ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some are life threatening (such as heart attack and major trauma), and others are not so dangerous (such as simple strains or contusions). Most episodes of neck pain are due to a muscle strain or other soft tissue sprain (ligaments, tendons). This type of injury can also be caused by a sudden force (whiplash). These types of neck pain often improve with time and with non-surgical care such as medications and chiropractic manipulation. But if the neck pain continues or worsens or is accompanied by arm pain or numbness, there is often a specific condition that requires treatment. Cervical degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, cervical stenosis, and cervical arthritis can all lead to neck pain. Each of these conditions has unique symptoms and treatment approaches.


Neck Pain Treatment

Since many types of neck pain are caused by sudden trauma like muscle strains or sprains that heal quickly, neck pain treatment generally begins with conservative care in the form of pain medications, heat/ice therapy, and even physical therapy and muscle conditioning. Stephen
Montgomery, MD

Dr. Stephen Montgomery, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon in Raleigh, NC and a
contributing Spine-health author who often examines and treats patients with different.

Causes of Shoulder and Neck Pain

• postural strain ( improper position when sitting - reading - working at a computer)
• Severe blow or fall.
• Car accident
• Heavy lifting.
• Sleeping without good neck support/sleeping on your stomach
• Turning over while you are asleep. Then waking up with a "stiff neck."
• Degenerated/ ruptured cervical disc.
• Bone spur.
• Nerve dysfunction.
• Osteoporosis, tumors.
• Spondylosis (hardening and stiffening of the spinal column).
• Congenital problem.
• Often there is no obvious cause.