Pain In The Arm: Is It My Shoulder Or My Neck?

Aberfoyle Park
Suite 4, The Hub Professional Centre
Christie Way
Aberfoyle Park
South Australia 5159
Services Offered:
Adelaide CBD Central
Level 3 55 Gawler Place
Adelaide
South Australia 5000
Services Offered:
Adelaide CBD East
179 Halifax Street
Adelaide
South Australia 5000
Services Offered:
Beverley
Suite 2 131-133 Grange Road
Beverley
South Australia 5009
Services Offered:
Burnside
Suite 10 539 Greenhill Rd
Hazelwood Park
South Australia 5066
Services Offered:
Campbelltown
506 Lower North East Road
Campbelltown
South Australia 5074
Services Offered:
Christies Beach
50 Beach Road
Christies Beach
South Australia 5165
Services Offered:
Marion
153 Sturt Road
Dover Gardens
South Australia 5048
Services Offered:
Melrose Park
166 Daws Rd
Melrose Park
South Australia 5039
Services Offered:
Morphett Vale
188 Main South Road
Morphett Vale
South Australia 5162
Services Offered:
Newton
8 Stradbroke Road
Newton
South Australia 5076
Services Offered:
Plympton
Suite 3 267 Marion Road
Marleston
South Australia 5033
Services Offered:
Arm and shoulder pain is quite common amongst all age groups. Many a time there is no clear differentiation as to whether or not the pain is caused by the neck, or if it’s coming from the shoulder.
Determining the exact origin of pain in the arm is important, as it helps us to develop a management plan that is focused on the exact origin of the problem. Therefore utilising the correct treatment techniques and rehabilitation methods to get clients pain free and back to full function.
Our neck and shoulder are connected anatomically and can both cause referred arm pain. Neck problems can cause referred pain all through your arms, as well as your hands and fingers; the pain is usually more like a dull ache.
Arm pain that originates from the neck is more of a widespread pain that is difficult to pinpoint. There can be associated symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness, heaviness, tingling and a sharp electric shock-like pain.
Arm pain that originates from the shoulder, is usually more localised to the upper arm, the shoulder blade and the mid-back. This pain is usually sharper, creating a pinching feeling when you move your arm in certain positions and can be easy to localise. There may also be a dull ache that is constantly present while movements can cause sharp pain.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Arm pain that originates from the neck can be worse at the end of the day or in the mornings. Whereas shoulder originating arm pain tends to be worse during the day, after using the arm all day at the end of the day.
Whether you have arm pain that originates from the neck or the shoulder, there is a specific set of strategies to both alleviate the pain and get you back to your normal activities.
The first step is seeing your Physiotherapist, who can help you to diagnose your problems correctly and set up the right management plan for you.
This blog was written by Kunj Desai from the Christies Beach practice.
Share this article on:
Locations
Services
Commonly treated injuries
© Copyright Core Physiotherapy & Pilates Studio Adelaide