Neck and Shoulder Pain Causes in Vacaville

When people are experiencing both neck pain and shoulder pain in Vacaville at the same time, they find that neck pain is more concerning. For others, shoulder pain bothers them even more and it may even impact their daily activities. Depending on what caused the pain, it is possible for neck and shoulder pain to alternate in intensity during different activities.

Neck And Shoulder Pain in Vacaville

Here are some of the common causes of neck and shoulder pain to happen at the same time:

• Muscle Strain: There are several muscles connected to both the neck and shoulder, such as the trapezius, scapulae and levator. When one of these muscles becomes strained, then pain and stiffness can be felt in the neck and shoulder. Even when the muscle strain develops in either the neck or shoulder, the pain may be referred to a nearby body region.
• Cervical Herniated Disc: When the tough outer layer of the cervical disc starts to tear and the soft inner layer starts to leak, it can cause pain and inflammation to the nearby nerve root. If a disc in the lower cervical spine becomes herniated, radicular pain in the shoulder blade region may cause neck pain.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spine degeneration can involve cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical osteoarthritis, and other wear-and-tear conditions of the spine. When the spine starts degenerating as you age, one or more intervertebral foramen will become smaller, which is called foraminal stenosis. Since there is lesser room, a spinal nerve can become pinched or compressed, causing neck pain that could radiate to the shoulder.
• Stinger Injury: When you're in a collision and it caused your neck to bend sideways, the nerves between the neck and shoulder may overstretch, causing a stinger injury. A stinger injury can cause a shock-like pain that radiates down the arm, which could be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. This type of injury can go away quickly but can sometimes last longer. A sports collision is one good example that could cause a stinger injury.

Other causes of neck and shoulder pain

• Brachial Neuritis: When the brachial plexus becomes damaged or inflamed, it is called brachial neuritis. It can happen suddenly, which is similar to a sharp or electric shock-like pain. Brachia neuritis can normally be felt on one side of the body in the shoulder or arm, it can sometimes be felt in the neck. Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness can even spread into the arm, hand, or shoulder.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This happens when the nerves and/or blood vessels become compressed within the thoracic outlet. Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder and/or arm. There are cases where it comes with neck pain. When compressed blood vessels is the cause for this condition, neck pain can feel either hot or cold due to poor circulation. Compressed nerves can cause tingling or numbness in the neck.
• Shoulder Osteoarthritis: When the protective cartilage inside the shoulder joint starts to breakdown, it can lead to pain and inflammation. Degenerative changes within the shoulder joint can also compress the nerves that could radiate the pain up to the neck.
• Fibromyalgia: This is common in people with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It involves widespread pain, fatigue, and tender points. Myofascial pain is often associated with trigger points that are present in several parts of the body, especially in the neck and shoulders. These trigger points can either be tender or tight, and can cause pain to nearby areas when pressed.