Neck and Shoulder Pain

Is the Pain Coming from the Shoulder or from somewhere else?

Patients visit our office all the time with the complaint of neck and shoulder pains. I can tell you, most times the pain source is most often the neck or upper back. Also a lot of the time the pain from the neck or upper back travels down along the inside of the shoulder blade (scapula). This is actually mostly the rhomboid muscle and not the shoulder at all.

One may often think it's shoulder because when moving the shoulder he or she may have pain because the rhomboid muscles attach from the shoulder blade to the spine and you will often feel pain when moving the arm if there is a problem here.

The Rotator Cuff Muscles of the Shoulder

IThere are also many muscles involved in holding the shoulder in position and allowing it to move freely. Many of these muscles are called the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff muscles will be affected with nerve pressure in the neck and/or upper back. There are 4 Rotator Cuff Muscles: Teres Minor Subcapularis, Supraspinatus, and the Infraspinatus. Each of these shoulder rotator cuff muscles has a different function and role that it plays.

What are the Shoulder Muscles where Pain May be coming from?

There are also many muscles involved in holding the shoulder in position and allowing it to move freely. Many of these muscles are called the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff muscles will be affected with nerve pressure in the neck and/or upper back.Patients visit our office all the time with the complaint of neck and shoulder pains. I can tell you, most times the pain source is most often the neck or upper back. Also a lot of the time the pain from the neck or upper back travels down along the inside of the shoulder blade (scapula). This is actually mostley the rhomboid muscle and not the shoulder at all.

One may often think it's shoulder because when moving the shoulder he or she may have pain because the rhomboid muscles attach from the shoulder blade to the spine and you will often feel pain when moving the arm if there is a problem here.

There are also many muscles involved in holding the shoulder in position and allowing it to move freely. Many of these muscles are called the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff muscles will be affected with nerve pressure in the neck and/or upper back. What are the Rotator Cuff Muscles?

Teres Minor
Subcapularis
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus

Each of these shoulder rotator cuff muscles has a different function and role that it plays.

Remember, the spine is part of the central nervous system, which is the body's main control center, and pressure here at the source of the nerve communication can cause pain and problems anywhere along the nerves path. For example, nerve pressure in the lower neck can cause pain or weakness in the shoulder.

Nerve roots exit off of the spinal cord on each side of the spine so often times if the problem is right side neck and shoulder pains the nerve pressure is on the right side of the neck.

Being aware of these facts can save you a ton of time, effort and money spent on doctor visits, because you'll have a good idea of where the problem is coming from which is a necessary factor in solving the pain or problem at hand.

Neck and Shoulder Pain Are Often Related

Neck and shoulder pain are often related. Nerves in the neck control function of the neck, upper back muscles, shoulders arms and hands. Often times pain in the shoulders or arms is coming completely from nerve pressure in the neck. Nerves that specifically supply the rotator cuff muscles, come from the cervical spine first. Three main nerves begin together at the shoulder: the radial nerve, the ulnar nerve, and the median nerve. All of these come from brachial plexus, which originates from the neck. These nerves carry the signals from the brain to the muscles that allow you to allow you carry things, lift things, basically all arm movements. The nerves also carry signals back to the brain about sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.

This can also work the other way. If you have a shoulder injury or maybe are favoring one arm this can after lead to neck pain.

Here’s another example: Your right shoulder hurts to much to sleep on for three nighs straight you only sleep in your left side. Your body just isn’t used to this and because your neck has been in the same position for 3 nights it’starting to ache and feels very stiff.

Learn how to avoid neck and shoulder pain with the neck pain relief kit. Dr. Bellinger also covers how to stretch your shoulders and upper back specifically for those neck and shoulder pain sufferers.

Nerves that Innervate the Shoulder Come from the Neck

Nerves that Innervate the shoulder include the median nerve, the ulnar nerve and the radial nerve.

What Products Can I use for Shoulder Pain?

For an acute shoulder injury, ice is best, as it helps to decrease inflammation, soreness and can provide a pain relieving effect. You want to get an ice pack that will fit your neck and upper back area such as the trisectional hot can cold pack, dimensions are 9x16. This hot/cold pack can be easily used while seated or lying down and it fits a large surface area. To use as an ice pack, simply place the pack in the freezer, wrap in a towel and put it on the effected area. A topical gel such as biofreeze natural pain relief gel also helps with pain relief and can help to ease muscle tightness and stiffness. Another modality that can be used is a tens electrotherapy unit. You can place the leads direclty on the rotator cuff muscles to get instand relief.

Is the Pain Coming from the Shoulder or from somewhere else?

The Rotator Cuff Muscles of the Shoulder

What are the Shoulder Muscles where Pain May be coming from?

Neck and Shoulder Pain Are Often Related

Nerves that Innervate the Shoulder Come from the Neck

What Products Can I use for Shoulder Pain?

Products for Shoulder and Neck Pain Relief

9x16 TriSectional Cervical Hot and Cold Pack

BioFreeze Natural Pain Relief Gel

Linear Gravity Support Neck Pillow

Moist Heating Pad by Thermophore

Natural Muscle Relaxer

Neck Pain Relief Kit