What could cause neck pain that spreads to the shoulders?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My neck has been hurting for over a week. I do not know how I hurt it. It started on the left back of my neck. Then a couple of days ago, the right side additionally started hurting, and now it hurts when I yawn as well. I have tried Tylenol, muscle relieving cream, a heating pad, support during sleep, and gentle stretching, and nothing helps. I am currently on Kurvelo birth control, Escitalopram (Lexapro), and QVAR inhaler.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Radhika Kariya Dipakbhai

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Pain in the upper back to the right and left side typically originates from the trapezius muscle. This pain does not require forceful activities or jerky movement. It can occur after simple tasks too. Muscles around the shoulder and upper back muscles can be swollen. Poor posture during routine tasks leads to such kind of pain. It will be relieved by rest, gentle massage, and ice pack application.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

The probable causes are cooking or overhead activities with shoulders elevated, weight lifting, using a cell phone lying position, and prolonged driving with poor posture.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis are trapezitis, cervical spondylitis and upper para spinal muscles spasm.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is Trapezitis.

Treatment plan

Ice pack application for six to eight minutes thrice daily for four days followed by Diclofenac gel application. Massage with gentle pressure over the upper part of both shoulders and backside of the neck region.

Preventive measures

Use low height and soft pillow. Avoid overhead activities. Avoid using cell phone in lying position. Avoid prolonged driving. Avoid jerky neck turning movements.

Regarding follow up

After pain reduction, doing exercise is advisable to reduce the chance of recurrence of the same condition.

Answered byRadhika Kariya Dipakbhai

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At August 16, 2020
Reviewed AtOctober 21, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Radhika Kariya Dipakbhai
Radhika Kariya Dipakbhai

Physiotherapy

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