What could cause pain in the neck and right shoulder?

Question

Hi doctor,

I recently visited a chiropractor due to neck pain. I am a dentist, so I am constantly sitting with my neck turned down. I always feel that my neck is tight and that I constantly need to crack it. I am assuming this neck pain is due to bad posture.

My chiropractor took some X-rays and showed me my cervical spine. He said that it is extending forward due to bad posture. I believe this, but I am unsure about the treatment. He has yet to tell me a diagnosis, so I have been trying to diagnose myself. On his diagnosis sheet, he listed segmental and somatic dysfunction of a cervical lumbar, or pelvic region along with cervicalgia. Because my neck is too far forward, I read that this may be due to upper cross syndrome.

His treatment plan is adjustments, one neck exercise (which is my back against a block on the wall with feet slightly forward while my arms are extending then I retract my head back to the point which seems too retracted), followed by ten minutes on a roller-massage table. I have been researching this, and I feel like this exercise may not be the best, or I should be having some more hands-on treatment rather than what my current treatment plan is.

Any thoughts or links to more information on cervical diagnosis or treatment would be greatly appreciated. I also have pictures of the radiographs if needed.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope that I am able to provide you with an appropriate response.

Yes, segmental dysfunction is the doctor’s diagnosis. This can absolutely be a result of upper cross syndrome. Do you have a desk job and sit a lot? Typically upper cross patients will have tight pectoral muscles and weak back muscles (rounded shoulders). You definitely have an anterior head carriage based on the X-ray, but with corrective exercises, this can be fixed. If you are concerned with your treatment plan, simply sit down and discuss it with your doctor. Ask the doctor for additional exercises and ask for home exercises. If the doctor cannot provide them to you, it may be time to see a new chiropractor.

I hope this has helped.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.