Is Your Shoulder Pain Actually Coming from Your Neck? Understanding the Link
Neck And Shoulders:
If you’ve ever experienced shoulder pain, you know how it can limit everyday activities like lifting, reaching, or even just getting dressed. While many people think shoulder pain is only related to the shoulder joint itself, recent research reveals that your neck (cervical spine) might be playing a bigger role in that pain than you’d expect. A recent study explored this connection, showing that for about 50% of people with shoulder pain, their symptoms can actually be influenced by their neck. Let’s break down what this means for you and your road to recovery.
Why Your Neck Could Be the Culprit
Shoulder pain is common, but diagnosing the exact cause can be tricky because the pain can overlap with nearby areas, especially the neck. The nerves that come from your neck control the muscles and sensations in your shoulders and arms, so if something is off in your cervical spine (like a pinched nerve or stiffness), it could show up as shoulder pain.
In the study, patients were screened to see if movements or treatments targeting their neck could change their shoulder pain. The surprising result? Half of the patients had a reduction in their shoulder pain simply by addressing the neck.
What This Means for You
For patients with neck-related shoulder pain, treatments targeting the cervical spine—such as specific neck exercises, mobilization, or posture correction—can lead to significant pain relief. Addressing the neck can provide relief in as little as a few sessions. If your pain starts to move from your arm or hand and feels like it’s “centralizing” toward your neck, this could be a sign that your cervical spine is involved.
What Does Assessment Look Like?
If your shoulder pain hasn’t been responding to traditional treatments or you’ve noticed any neck discomfort alongside your shoulder issues, it’s important to talk to your healthcare practitioner. They can perform a Cervical Spine Screening to assess whether your neck is contributing to your shoulder pain.
This screening typically involves:
- Gentle neck movements and testing the range of motion.
- Posture correction exercises.
- Specific neck mobilizations to see if they affect your shoulder pain.
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