Neck pain and shoulder pain are common conditions. A pain in the neck can be caused by something as simple as poor posture or something as dramatic as an automobile accident. Usually, though, neck pain is the result of muscle strain or tension, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Examples include bending over a desk for hours, having poor posture while watching TV or reading, poor computer ergonomics, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or twisting and turning the neck in an abrupt way. Shoulder pain can be the result of injury to the shoulder muscles, joints or ligaments. Sometimes pain in the neck and pain in the shoulder are related.
Anatomy
Nigel Palastanga, Derek Field and Roger Soames write in their textbook, "Anatomy of Human Movement Structure and Function," that the neck is one of the most complex areas in the body. Many of the muscles in this area are too small to palpate but have specific functions to support the head, and there are many nerve fibers in this area. The shoulder is also a very complex area, and it is susceptible to injury that can cause pain in the various muscles, joints and ligaments related to arm movement.
Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain
Dr. Thomas Souza writes in "Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor" that most neck pain is related to the joints between the vertebra, called the facet joints. These joints can become irritated and swollen, which interferes with the nerves in the area. Irritated nerves can cause muscle pain. Like joints in the neck, the shoulder joint can also be injured, and this can cause muscle pain.
Cold Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Ice is generally used to treat acute injuries. Ice works by decreasing inflammation, which reduces pain. MedlinePlus recommends using ice for the first 48 to 72 hours to help decrease inflammation. Always use ice for around 10 to 20 minutes and then remove it for at least an hour before applying it again.
Heat Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Heat is generally used to relax sore muscles. Heat works by bringing blood into muscle and allowing the injured tissue to heal. MedlinePlus recommends applying heat after using ice for the first 48 to 72 hours. This can be with a hot shower or a moist heating pad. It is important not to sleep with a heating pad, because applying heat for too long can increase inflammation and pain. Ten to 15 minutes of heat are acceptable, with at least an hour in between.
Other Home Treatments
In addition to using ice and heat, it is important to avoid painful activities. After resting for the first one or two days, start small range-of-motion exercises. Doing gentle up-and-down, side-to-side and ear-to-ear movements gently stretches the neck muscles, according to Medline Plus.
References
- MedlinePlus: Neck Pain
- "Anatomy and Human Movement Structure and Function"; Palastanga N, Field D, Soames R: 2006
- "Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor Protocols and Algorithms Third Edition"; Souza TA; 2005
