Is It Normal to Experience Head and Shoulder Pain After a Head Injury?

Head struck against the wall?

Hello Doctor: I bumped the right side of my head against a wall on October 11th.
It wasn't very painful on the day of the incident or the following day, but starting on October 13th, I've been experiencing pain from the right side of my head down to my right shoulder.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being very painful, I would rate it around 3 to 5.
Aside from the headache and shoulder pain, I have no other discomfort.
Is this normal? Do I need to seek medical attention immediately?

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/14

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello, you may have a cervical spine issue.
If it persists for 1-2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon.
Best wishes to you from Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang, the Director of Spine Neurosurgery at Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2019/10/14

More Info

Experiencing head and shoulder pain after a head injury can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential implications of these symptoms. Based on the information provided, it seems that you sustained a head injury on October 11, and while you did not experience significant pain immediately after the incident, you began to feel pain in your head and shoulder a couple of days later.
Firstly, it's essential to recognize that head injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms, some of which may not manifest immediately. The fact that you are experiencing pain on the right side of your head and shoulder could be related to several factors. One possibility is that the injury caused muscle strain or tension in the neck and shoulder area, which is common after a head injury. This can occur due to the body's natural response to protect the injured area, leading to muscle tightness and discomfort.

Another consideration is that head injuries can sometimes lead to more serious conditions, such as a concussion or even intracranial bleeding, although these are less likely if you are not experiencing severe symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or significant neurological deficits. However, the delayed onset of pain could indicate that your body is reacting to the injury, and it is not uncommon for symptoms to develop over a few days.

In your case, since you rate your pain as a 3-5 out of 10, it may not seem severe, but it is still important to monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain worsens, if you develop new symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, or if you experience any changes in your level of consciousness, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires prompt evaluation.

In general, if you are experiencing persistent pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, a thorough examination can help determine if there are any musculoskeletal injuries contributing to your shoulder pain.

In summary, while some discomfort after a head injury can be normal, especially if it is mild and manageable, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop any concerning signs, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

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