Neck and shoulder pain is a normal part of living. Stress from bad posture or sleeping in an awkward position can produce what is considered normal pains that subside with no lasting effects. However, have a medical professional evaluate any neck or shoulder pains that persist longer than a few days, are accompanied by fever or occur following a trauma. Seek emergency medical treatment if pains are accompanied by chest pains, shortness of breath or sweating.
Soft Tissue Pain
Poor posture causes excessive amounts of stress on structures of the neck and shoulder, leading to soft tissue neck and shoulder pain, reports NetDoctor. Daily activities, such as sitting for long hours in front of a desk, contribute to poor posture. Pain from shoulder muscle strains can radiate to the neck, causing headaches and neck stiffness. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you can use anti-inflammatory medication or acetaminophen to treat these common pains. You may also treat pain with a local application of heat. For both neck and shoulder pain, exercises that strengthen your neck muscles and improve your range of motion in your shoulders will help, according to NetDoctor.
Pathological Causes
Sometimes your pain is the sign of an underlying disorder. Consult a medical professional if you have severe neck and shoulder pain accompanied by fever, severe headaches, immobility or nausea. These types of pains could indicate infection. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, fever, stiff neck, vomiting and light sensitivity may be signs of a simple viral illness, meningitis or more serious infection in the brain. The symptoms of arthritis are less severe and have a slower onset. Shoulder joint stiffness, pain on movement and joint inflammation are common signs of arthritis. Consult a physician if your pain gets worse or doesn't get any better. Have any neck or shoulder pain following trauma investigated by a medical professional.
Cardiac Causes
If you have a sudden onset of neck and shoulder pain accompanied by pain or tightness in the chest, sweating, nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath, chances are good that it is a heart attack, reports Health Central. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning or a heavy weight, and it may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw or inside the arms or shoulders. You also might experience paleness or pallor, an increased or irregular heart rate and a feeling of impending doom. If you experience some or all of these signs, seek emergency help.
