Shoulder Pain
If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain, you’re probably not alone. Up to two-thirds of adults report shoulder-related symptoms at some point in their lives. For a small number the pain doesn’t go away by itself which affects daily activities and quality of life in the long term. However, the important thing is you don’t have to accept pain as your “new normal”.
The shoulder is one of the most complicated joints in your body and there can be numerous reasons behind the pain. Pain felt in the shoulder area can sometimes be coming from your neck. This is because the nerves and muscles that arise from your neck pass through your shoulder on their way down the arm. The nerves from your neck (nerve roots) also travel down your arm therefore neck pain may extend down your arm.
Signs And Symptoms
Symptoms of pain referred from the neck vary depending on the nerve root involved, and commonly occur on the same side of the body as the affected nerve. The symptoms may include:
Pain in the neck, shoulder blade, shoulder, upper chest, or arm, with pain possibly radiating into the fingers following the path of the involved nerve root.
Pain described as "sharp" or "pins-and-needles" or “popping sensation” in cervical region.
General dull ache or numbness anywhere along the pathway of the nerve.
Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Pain that worsens with certain neck movements.
Pain that improves when the arm is lifted over and behind the head (relieving tension on the spinal nerve).
Fortunately, the vast majority of neck pain does come from your neck joints and muscles and is not a serious problem. For this reason it is better to stay active and avoid bed rest for more than a few days. Gradually increasing your normal activities and returning to regular exercise.
What We Can Do
At The Physiotherapy Place our physiotherapists, through assessment and accurate diagnosis, determine the reasons for your shoulder pain and provide appropriate hands on treatment to target the referring structures, helping you with the improvement of your shoulder pain, range of movement and function. If you want to learn more or speak with an expert physiotherapist about your specific case, get in touch to arrange a FREE 15 minute telephone consultation or book a appointment here.
FREE Physio E-Book - 8 Quick Ways To Fix Shoulder Pain
One of the most common problems that we see in the clinic is shoulder pain. Some who seek help from their GP will be prescribed rest and painkillers, but most of the time, this will not solve the problem.
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Even if you’ve suffered for months or years and thought nothing could be done, our tips will help you to eradicate your shoulder pain and teach you how to maintain healthy shoulders once and for all.