The good – and bad – thing about neck and shoulder pain is that you, as the patient, always know when you have it. It can come on suddenly and painfully and completely disrupt your day. While some patients only have pain in one area or the other, many experience pain in both areas at the same time. But what causes neck and shoulder pain, and when should you see a doctor for treatment?
Misalignment
In most cases, a simple misalignment can cause neck and shoulder pain. For example, if you go away on a trip and stay in a hotel, you’ll be sleeping on a pillow and a mattress that isn’t what you typically sleep on. This sudden stress can lead to a temporary misalignment, which will cause pain in your neck and shoulder. Strenuous exercise, staying in the same position for an extended period, and driving or riding in a car for long distances can also cause temporary misalignment.
Ordinarily, this type of neck and shoulder pain can be alleviated with massage therapy. Hot and cold therapy, such as heating pads and cold compresses, may also be applied to the affected areas for temporary relief.
A Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to one or several nerves in the area. This pressure usually comes from bones, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. Pinched nerves can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and a tingling sensation in the neck and shoulder, making it extremely difficult for the patient to move around or enjoy life.
Pinched nerves can be relieved with massage therapy or hot and cold therapy, but more severe cases will require medical attention.
Stress
Today’s lifestyles are nothing if not stressful. Over time, extended exposure to stress can lead to neck and back pain. But stress doesn’t just involve mental or emotional stress. Strenuous exercise, poor posture, and compromised health are all stressors on the body that can lead to neck and back pain.
It’s imperative to balance mental and emotional stress with relaxation techniques and to avoid physical stress and exertion by stretching and engaging in “cool down” activities. These practices will help you avoid most neck and back pain.
Degenerative Changes
As we age, things change – and not always for the better. The alignment of our vertebrae changes, mostly due to bone degeneration, especially if osteoporosis and other bone diseases run in the family. The resulting “slouching” or hunching can cause neck and shoulder pain.
Age-related degenerative changes cannot be cured, but physical therapy, improved posture, bone supplements, and other integrative remedies can help alleviate most of the painful symptoms. In more serious cases, however, surgery may be necessary. A doctor at AllCare Health & Pain can help determine which treatment regimen is proper for you.
Compressed Spinal Cord
The most severe cause of neck and back pain is a compressed spinal cord. You’ll know you’re suffering from this malady if you feel persistent shooting pain down your extremities (especially your arms) and pain and weakness in your legs. Compressed spinal cords usually happen because of trauma, such as a car accident, and can cause severe damage if left untreated.
A compressed spinal cord can result in temporary or permanent paralysis, and in some extreme cases can lead to death. Compressed spinal cords can also occur from spinal stenosis (when the space inside the backbone is too small, resulting in a narrower path for the spinal cord to travel) or other genetic abnormalities.
Regardless of the cause, a compressed spinal cord requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should immediately see a doctor about your neck and shoulder pain if:
- Your pain is due to an accident or other type of trauma
- Your pain persists for more than a week
- You cannot function without taking any pain medication
- Your pain gets progressively worse
- Your pain progresses to your arms and legs
- Your pain results in slurring of your words or paralysis
Regardless of how minor your pain may seem, it is imperative to speak to a skilled physician if you feel things haven’t improved quickly.
Let AllCare Health & Pain Relieve Your Neck and Shoulder Pain
AllCare Health & Pain is a pain management clinic that serves the greater Jersey City area. We have helped hundreds of satisfied clients find relief from their neck and shoulder pain. For more information, contact us at 201-386-9800, and let’s get you out of pain for good.
Call Us: 201-386-9800 
