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Lazy Guide to Shoulder and Neck Pain - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Shoulder and neck pain is one of the common conditions, according to the survey conducted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University, where 80% of Hong Kong residents aged 20 or above have experienced shoulder and neck pain.

Most of the time, it is just ordinary muscle tension and pain that will heal on its own after a few days. However, sometimes the pain can persist and even affect daily life. If shoulder and neck pain frequently occurs, there is a possibility of developing cervical spondylosis, and in severe cases, it can lead to loss of work capacity. Therefore, we should not take it lightly.

The following content will break down the causes and treatments for shoulder and neck pain, provide you with 5-minute relief exercises, and guide you on how to choose the right pillow.

Contents

Acute and Chronic Neck pain

Acute shoulder and neck pain: Onset within 2 weeks, primarily caused by accidental trauma resulting in cervical pain or muscle strain causing shoulder pain.

Chronic shoulder and neck pain: Pain lasting for more than 2 weeks, and in some cases, extending for over 10 years. It is mainly caused by cervical degeneration, prolonged poor posture, cervical spondylosis, shoulder impingement, and other factors.

肩關節唇撕裂, Shoulder labrum tear

5 Causes of shoulder and neck pain

  • Muscle tension and stress: Prolonged maintenance of poor posture, overuse of muscles, or factors such as stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension in the shoulder and neck area, resulting in shoulder and neck pain.
  • Cervical degeneration: As one ages, the cervical spine may undergo degenerative changes, including disc degeneration and arthritis. These changes can contribute to shoulder and neck pain.
  • Cervical disc herniation: When a cervical disc protrudes or compresses surrounding nerve structures, it can cause neck pain and related symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the arms.
  • Neck sprains and sports injuries: Accidents, sports-related injuries, or excessive twisting of the neck can result in injury to neck tissues and lead to neck pain.
  • Poor posture and prolonged static positions: Maintaining an incorrect posture for extended periods, particularly with incorrect positioning of the head and neck, can contribute to neck pain and muscle discomfort.

6 Symptoms of shoulder an neck pain

  • Neck stiffness and pain: Feeling stiffness in the neck accompanied by pain or discomfort.
  • Shoulder pain and muscle tightness: Experiencing pain in the shoulders and a sensation of tight or stiff muscles.
  • Headaches and dizziness: Having headaches, possibly accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Weakness and numbness in the arms: Feeling weakness or numbness in the arms, possibly accompanied by tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation.
  • Limited neck mobility: Experiencing restrictions in the range of motion of the neck, making it difficult to turn or tilt the head.
  • Insomnia: Having difficulty falling asleep due to pain, occasionally waking up from sleep due to pain.

Treatment of shoulder and neck pain

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Acupuncture, tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), and other TCM techniques can help relax muscles. Internal administration of Chinese herbal medicine can also have effects in promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and regulating qi.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapists can employ various treatment methods such as massage, heat therapy, cold therapy, electrotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce pain, improve muscle strength, and enhance flexibility.
  • Rest and proper posture: Adequate rest can help alleviate shoulder and neck pain and prevent overuse of the affected area. Additionally, maintaining correct posture, especially while sitting or standing, can reduce muscle strain and tension.
  • Exercise and stretching: Engaging in moderate exercise and stretching can strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation, and alleviate shoulder and neck pain. Choosing suitable activities such as swimming, yoga, or walking is recommended.
  • Improving lifestyle habits: Making positive changes to lifestyle habits can help prevent shoulder and neck pain. This includes maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged periods in the same position, taking appropriate breaks, and avoiding excessive muscle use.

【Read more】Integrative Treatment for Shoulder and Neck Pain to Restore Flexibility

Relive of shoulder and neck pain

  • Keep proper posture
  • Stretch your shoulder and neck muscles
  • Exercise is medicine
  • Hot pads

【Read more】How to Alleviate Shoulder and Neck Pain? 4 Daily Exercises and Stretches You Should Know

【Read more】How to Relieve Shoulder and Neck Pain? 5 Tips to Maintain Proper Posture

How to choose the right pillow

Choosing an appropriate pillow can help alleviate or prevent shoulder and neck pain as well as headaches. Here are some tips for patients with shoulder and neck pain when selecting a pillow:

  1. The width of the pillow should match the width of the shoulders.
  2. For back sleepers, avoid using a pillow that is too thick. When lying on your back, the head and neck should be in a straight line, and the pillow should support the neck and shoulders, allowing the muscles to relax and maintain a balanced state for sleep.

【Read more】Choosing the Wrong Pillow Can Worsen Neck Pain? 3 Key Factors: Thickness, Firmness, and Sleeping Position

Typically, general shoulder and neck muscle strains or pain show improvement within a week. However, if shoulder and neck pain persist for more than two weeks without recovering, it may potentially lead to other issues such as numbness in the hands, which can affect daily life. If shoulder and neck pain cannot be self-alleviated, it is advisable to seek early advice from healthcare professionals.

If there is a noticeable cervical misalignment, chiropractic adjustments can provide relief for shoulder and neck pain, but they may not provide a permanent cure.

Most shoulder and neck pain is accompanied by muscle tension, and it requires methods such as acupuncture and manual therapy to alleviate muscle swelling in order to effectively address shoulder and neck pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily uses methods such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and tuina (therapeutic massage) to treat shoulder and neck pain.

Physical therapy primarily utilizes manual therapy, electrotherapy devices, and corrective exercises to treat shoulder and neck pain. For general shoulder and neck pain, both approaches can be effective, and you can choose according to your preference.

However, when dealing with shoulder and neck pain related to internal medical issues, such as liver or digestive problems, combining both traditional Chinese medicine and physical therapy methods may be necessary to effectively cure the shoulder and neck pain.

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