Neck Or Shoulder Pain? Find Pain Relief
After You Learn Your Diagnosis
by Dr. Kareem Samhouri author of Double Edged Fat Loss

Did you know that neck pain can radiate to the shoulder, elbow, or even hand? In some cases, it's possible that no signs whatsoever may be present in the neck, although it can be a neck related issue. I know that it sounds strange, but I'll say it again: your shoulder pain may not be coming from your shoulder. It could be your neck.

Differentiating between neck and shoulder pain is very important for several reasons. First and foremost is the risk of quadriplegia (being paralyzed from the neck down) or less extensive permanent nerve damage. Many people do not realize this, but there are specific areas of your upper body that correspond with segments of the cervical (upper) spine. Likewise, there are specific areas of your lower body that correspond with levels of your lumbar (lower) spine. This means that a change in sensation or strength in your hand, elbow, or shoulder may be indicative of an issue at your neck.

Whenever you have shoulder pain, it is important to differentiate between the origin as the shoulder or neck. Your orthopedic physician, physical therapist, or chiropractor can perform a simple evaluation to help you make this determination. Once neck injury is ruled out, it becomes safe to pursue rehabilitation and strengthening of the shoulder. Relief of shoulder pain is completely possible in most cases.

Hundreds of thousands of people world-wide are living their lives with shoulder pain unnecessarily. The difference between having pain and having no pain lies mostly in education. If you do not understand your shoulder, how to strengthen it, how to reduce chances for re-injury, or how to break the cycle of pain, shoulder pain can be overwhelming.

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