There are many causes and treatments for common shoulder and neck pain.
You just know you hurt, but you are not sure: is it neck or shoulder pain?
“Neck and shoulder pain so commonly overlap that some refer to it as ‘shneck’ pain,” E. Kano Mayer, M.D., an interventional spine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health, said.
The reason? The multiple nerve pathways are so interconnected in the neck and shoulder region the brain cannot easily trace the pain to its root cause. Some only experience neck pain, and others only feel shoulder pain. Others experience pain in both areas.
What a mystery.
SHOULDER PAIN
Susceptible to injury, the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a large range of motion, as the arm extends from the trunk of the human body. Shoulder pain can stem from everyday overexertion and overuse, resulting in tendonitis. More complex shoulder conditions include shoulder joint instability, dislocation, bone fractures, frozen shoulder, arthritis and pinched nerves.
What causes shoulder problems?
The breakdown of soft tissues in the shoulder region is the primary cause of shoulder pain. Manual labor and playing intense sports can cause the soft tissue of the shoulder to break down, especially as individuals age. Frequency and intensity of use are the determining factors.
NECK PAIN
The eight pairs of joints in the vertebrae that form the neck provide the wide range of movement connecting the head to the body. The 14 nerves located in this relatively small area experience a lot of sensation with every little move made. Think about how frequently the neck moves the head: we nod during a conversation, automatically look at sounds in our environment and glance here or there by moving our neck.
Inflammation in the neck can be intense from overuse or age-related arthritis. Electric-like sensations, stabbing, burning or tingling pain can radiate down the area past the elbow or even to the hand. Neck pain usually continues in rest but may be relieved when the neck is supported.
NECK AND SHOULDER WELLNESS TIPS
Reduce the strain on your shoulders. Household chores can be divided throughout the week instead of having a marathon house-cleaning day. Unfamiliar tasks, such as painting or cleaning windows, can bring on shoulder and neck pain. Even enjoyable activities, such as fishing or golf, can be done in excess.
Maintain proper posture. Think ear over shoulder, shoulder over hip. Avoid holding your neck in a fixed or twisted position. Trapping a phone between your head and shoulder is a no-no. Regular, gentle movements through the full range of motion is all the stretching that is usually needed to keep the neck comfortable and free flowing.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
