How can you tell the difference between neck pain and shoulder pain?

How can you tell the difference between neck pain and shoulder pain?

Pain from your neck is usually felt mainly at the top of your shoulder over your trapezius muscle, whilst pain from your shoulder is normally felt over your upper arm. The pain is NOT made worse with movement of your shoulder, so your shoulder moves freely without aggravating the pain.

Can shoulder pain be caused by neck?

If a cervical nerve root becomes compressed or irritated in the neck, it can cause pain and symptoms that radiate along the path of the nerve into the shoulder, arm and/or hand. This is medically termed cervical radiculopathy.

Who should I see if I have neck and shoulder pain?

Shoulder and neck pain is treated by primary care physicians, including general practitioners, internists, and family medicine doctors, as well as orthopedists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, and physiatrists.

How do I get instant relief from neck and shoulder pain?

For minor, common causes of neck pain, try these simple remedies:

1. Apply heat or ice to the painful area.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Keep moving, but avoid jerking or painful activities.
4. Do slow range-of-motion exercises, up and down, side to side, and from ear to ear.

How should I sleep with neck and shoulder pain?

Use two pillows, with the top pillow staggered slightly back of the bottom pillow. Try to lie on your side or back. Have the bottom pillow supporting your shoulders and the top pillow supporting your neck. Hug a pillow, as this will put your top shoulder in an open position.

What does a pinched shoulder nerve feel like?

A pinched nerve in the shoulder will typically cause pain, numbness, or discomfort in the shoulder region. A person may also have other symptoms, which include: changes in feeling on the same side as the shoulder that hurts. muscle weakness in the arm, hand, or shoulder.

How do you release a pinched nerve scapula?

Treatments

1. Rest. Rest is the most common treatment for a pinched nerve in the upper back.
2. Medication. Along with rest, you may find pain relief by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
3. Physical therapy.
4. Surgery.

How can I prevent shoulder pain while sleeping?

If you’re experiencing pain when you sleep on your shoulder, some of these tips may help make sleeping more comfortable:

1. Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder.
2. Utilize a pillow.
3. Stay active.
4. Know your limits.
5. Use OTC pain relievers.
6. Practice good sleep habits.