Diseases of the cervical spine (neck) and shoulder have very similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two because the disease areas have a big anatomical overlap. It is only through a careful diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist who provides the proper physical exam, deciphers your medical history, and recommends the proper imaging that relief from the pain can be found.
Overlapping Symptoms of Shoulder and Neck Pain
- Cervical spine disease often causes pain in the neck and shoulder muscles but can also cause
pain radiating down the arm and forearm that is easily confused with rotator cuff or arthritic
shoulder pain. - Neck pain due to disc issues frequently produces shoulder and arm pain, which can be very
similar to the symptoms of shoulder joint pain. - Shoulder diseases, tendonitis, rotator cuff or tendon tears usually cause pain through the
shoulder, down the arm and elbow and in the neck.
Approach to Care
When you aren’t sure from where the pain is originating, it is important to consider taking a team approach to your orthopedic care. Specialists in both areas can easily collaborate if needed when they are working in the same location and share the same electronic medical records system. Diagnosing a patient who has both shoulder and neck pain may warrant a physical exam by both a shoulder and spine expert. In specific cases a patient may have both a spine and shoulder issue and a potential surgery may not provide any benefit if a surgeon tackles the wrong problem first. Getting effective treatment depends on seeing an orthopedic specialist who appreciates the possibility that neck, or shoulder pain could be only part of the problem and knows how to evaluate that possibility.
Treatment Options for Neck and Shoulder Conditions
Seeing an orthopedic specialist when experiencing either neck or shoulder pain, or both, is always the best option. The doctors at Cleveland Shoulder Institute are a part of a group of orthopedic experts who have come together to join the Cleveland Orthopedic and Spine Institute at 300 Allen Bradley Drive in Mayfield Heights. Several shoulder and spine experts work independently with the opportunity to collaborate on challenging cases like those with overlapping symptoms. For more information about the Cleveland Orthopedic and Spine Institute, visit:
https://cleorthopedics.com/services-and-providers/. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gobezie or Dr. Callahan, call 844-746-8537.