Can Shoulder Problems Cause Neck Pain (and Vice Versa)?

Your neck and shoulders work as one system. The muscles that move the shoulder blade (scapula) run into the upper back and the base of the neck. The nerves that supply the arm start in the neck. Because of this, a problem in one area can be felt in the other. Doctors call this referred pain.

Shoulder problems can change how you hold your head. Neck problems can change how your shoulder blades move. Many clinicians think those changes can feed each other. It is a pattern many people notice, but it is not a diagnosis.

Only a doctor or physiotherapist can diagnose the cause of neck and shoulder symptoms. Please do not use this article to decide which area is the cause for you.

• Head-forward posture is associated with neck pain. That is a link, not proof that posture causes the pain [R27].
• There isn't strong research on shoulder-to-neck referral specifically; the closest evidence is on posture and on shoulder exercise.
• Most shoulder pain is managed in primary care with advice and exercise, and severe pain after an injury needs proper diagnosis [R30].
• For rotator-cuff-related shoulder pain, progressive resisted exercise probably helps. Gentle, unloaded movement alone probably does not change pain much [R01].

Each of these steps can be done seated.

1. Note where the pain starts. Is it in the neck, the shoulder, or the upper back? What moves it? Write this down for your clinician.
2. Try a chin nod. Sit tall and slide your chin straight back, as if making a small double chin. Rest, then repeat gently.
3. Glide your shoulder blades. Let them slide down and back without forcing. Hold lightly, then release.
4. Lift through the upper back. Sit tall, lift your chest gently, let your shoulders relax, then return to rest.
5. Change position often. Stand, shift, or move your arms during long sitting sessions.
6. Stop if it spreads. If pain moves down the arm, or you notice numbness, tingling or weakness, stop and get checked.