Left Shoulder and Neck Pain: When to Seek Neurology Care - Neurology

More Info

---

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your left shoulder and neck pain. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms related to musculoskeletal issues, potentially involving the cervical spine or shoulder girdle.
The intermittent nature of your pain, along with its specific localization to the shoulder and neck, suggests that it could be related to muscle strain, poor posture, or even nerve compression. Given your history of discomfort that radiates from the shoulder to the neck, it is essential to consider a few potential causes:
1. Muscle Strain or Tension: Prolonged periods of poor posture, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at a computer, can lead to muscle tension and strain in the neck and shoulder area. This is often exacerbated by stress or lack of movement.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy: If there is nerve compression in the cervical spine (the neck region), it can lead to pain that radiates down the shoulder and into the arm. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm.

3. Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Injury: Conditions affecting the shoulder joint can also cause referred pain to the neck. If you have been engaging in activities that require overhead lifting or repetitive shoulder movements, this could be a contributing factor.

4. Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear on the cervical spine can lead to degenerative changes that may cause pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Given these possibilities, it is advisable to seek medical attention. The best course of action would be to start with a visit to a primary care physician or a neurologist. A primary care physician can perform an initial evaluation, assess your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist if necessary. If your symptoms suggest a neurological component, such as nerve involvement, a neurologist would be appropriate.

During your visit, the doctor may perform a physical examination, assess your range of motion, and possibly order imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI to evaluate the cervical spine and shoulder structures. They may also consider conducting nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) if nerve compression is suspected.

In the meantime, you can try some conservative measures to alleviate your symptoms:
- Posture Correction: Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretching of the neck and shoulder muscles can help relieve tension. Strengthening exercises for the shoulder girdle may also be beneficial.

- Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, your left shoulder and neck pain warrants a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Starting with a primary care physician or neurologist is a good approach, and they can guide you through the necessary steps for diagnosis and treatment. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!