NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN: A MODERN SOCIETY "ILLNESS"

04/10/2024

Neck and shoulder pain is a common problem in today's modern society, affecting a wide range of individuals across different demographics and caused by various factors. This condition impacts quality of life, causing inconvenience in daily life, and can even lead to chronic pain if not treated promptly.

► Cause of neck and shoulder pain

Neck and shoulder pain can be caused by muscle strain or injuries. However, in some cases, it can be a symptom of other underlying health conditions. Below are several common causes of neck and shoulder pain:

1. Mechanical causes

The most common cause of neck and shoulder pain is muscle strain due to overwork, repetitive activities, or physical exercise. Prolonged sitting, incorrect postures or sleeping with uncomfortable postures for the neck for an extended period can also lead to muscle and ligament strain in the neck and shoulders.

Soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons and ligaments can possibly cause neck stiffness, headaches, muscle spasms causing pain and discomfort of the neck and shoulders.

2. Pathological causes

Besides mechanical causes, neck and shoulder pain is also a warning sign of underlying health problems, such as:

Cervical spondylosis: relatively common in the age group from 60 and above due to degenerative condition of cervical discs and joints.
Subacromial Bursitis: caused by shoulder joint injuries, resulting in inflammation and swelling.
Cervical radiculopathy: when the spine ages or suffers from trauma that results in inflammation and compression of the spinal nerve roots, the pain can radiates from the neck to other areas such as arms, chest, upper back and shoulders.
Coronary artery disease: neck, shoulder, jaw and back pain can possibly be one of the warning signs of narrowed coronary artery, and insufficient blood oxygen supply.
Stroke: neck pain can be a symptom of stroke due to cervical artery rupture. This condition, even though rare, is one of the most common causes of strokes occurring in individuals under 50.
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation: pain in the right shoulder can be a symptom of gallstone blocking a duct in the gallbladder, causing sudden pain between the shoulder blades.
Cancer: in some cases, prolonged neck pain can be a symptom of head or neck cancer. Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of lung cancer.

► Common symptoms of neck and shoulder pain

Symptoms to identify neck and shoulder pain include:

Pain that occurs after sleep, labored work or sitting in one position for extended periods.
Pain that worsens with standing, coughing, sneezing, engaging in vigorous exercises, or during weather changes, and may decrease with rest and relaxation.
Neck, shoulder pain and stiffness that is possible to spread to nearby areas, accompanied by headache or dizziness.
Limited range of motion in the neck and shoulder, weakness in the arm, shoulders, tingling or numbness of the arms and hands.
In some cases, dizziness, tinnitus, blurry visions, etc. may occur alongside the pain

► Is neck and shoulder pain dangerous?

In most cases, neck and shoulder pain and resolve on its own if patients take proper rest. However, in certain situations, neck and shoulder may indicate serious underlying conditions like cancer.

Furthermore, neck and shoulder pain, if not treated appropriately, can lead to complications such as vestibular disorders, increased risk of cerebral ischemia, sensory disturbances in the limbs, radicular pain, or even paralysis of one or both arms.

Therefore, if a patient experiences persistent neck and shoulder pain that does not improve or progressively worsens, accompanied by symptoms like nausea, fever, or the appearance of lumps, he or she should consult with the doctor immediately for promptly treatment.

► Diagnosing neck and shoulder pain

Clinical examination and medical history assessments to identify causes.
Motion range assessment by asking patients to move their arms, shoulders and neck.
Conducting several tests:

+ Blood test
+ X-Ray
+ CT and MRI scan
+ Electromyography (EMG)

Doctors can also request a lumbar puncture, if inflammation is suspected.

► Treatment for neck and shoulder pain

Rest and relax: For neck and shoulder pain due to muscle strain, incorrect postures, patients can take rests at home, apply heat or cold compress on the painful areas, combining with massaging to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles.
Medication: For moderate pain, doctors can prescribe pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or salonpas patches to alleviate discomfort.
Physiotherapy: For more severe levels of pain, physiotherapy exercise may be effective. Patients need to have specialized consultation on exercises appropriate for their pain condition.
Surgery: Most cases of pain can be managed without surgical intervention, except in situations involving fractures, rotator cuff tears, etc…

► Preventions for neck and shoulder pain

Several methods to prevent neck and shoulder pain:

Lifestyle and activities that are suitable with personal capabilities and health conditions.
Maintaining good posture during exercise and work, proper resting. Avoid prolonged sitting, neck bending forward or excessively high pillow while sleeping.
Reasonable balance between work and rest periods.
Proper and nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle.

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