Neck & Shoulder Pain

In Vietnam, statistics show that 33% of the population over 30 is at risk of cervical spine degeneration, making it very difficult for patients to turn their heads. Among them, office workers account for 55%, and most of these issues stem from common neck and shoulder discomfort. More seriously, about 60% of office workers exhibit signs of neck and shoulder discomfort, significantly affecting their quality of life and work productivity

What is neck and shoulder pain?

Neck and shoulder pain is a condition related to the cervical spine, muscles, and ligaments in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This condition is often seen in people who work in offices or sit at computers, using electronic devices for extended periods. Neck and shoulder pain causes persistent discomfort, disrupting the daily lives of those affected. If not treated promptly, this pain can develop into cervical spine degeneration, cervical spine spurs, or cervical disc herniation.

Typically, patients rely on pain relief medications and temporary measures such as massage to quickly alleviate neck and shoulder pain. However, long-term use of painkillers can lead to drug tolerance, swelling, and gastric ulcers. To treat this condition effectively and safely, it is advisable for patients to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying causes and their condition, thereby applying suitable and effective treatment methods for neck and shoulder discomfort.

Causes of neck and shoulder pain

Mechanical causes of neck and shoulder discomfort

• Poor posture: Incorrect habits such as sitting at a computer for long periods, leaning back in chairs, bending the neck for extended times, or sleeping in awkward positions can hinder blood and oxygen circulation to the muscles in the neck and shoulder region. Over time, this leads to muscle strain and ligament tension, resulting in stiffness and pain in this area.
• Unhealthy habits: Practices such as taking night showers, sitting too long in front of fans or air conditioning, and being exposed to rain or sun frequently can disrupt the function of the nervous system that controls sensation and activity in the neck and shoulder muscles, causing muscle stiffness and pain.
• Job characteristics: Jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing can decrease blood flow to the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort. Additionally, carrying heavy loads or performing tasks in improper postures can cause injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the neck and shoulder region, resulting in ongoing pain.
• Excessive exercise: Exercising with high intensity, incorrect form, or neglecting warm-up routines can also lead to soreness in the neck and shoulders. Inadequate rest between workouts can result in muscle and ligament stiffness, causing discomfort. Continuous exercise without recovery time can put pressure on these muscle groups, potentially leading to injuries over time.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries (including muscles, tendons, and ligaments) can lead to neck and shoulder pain. When soft tissues are injured, they can cause significant pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and headaches.
• Sudden neck injuries: Abrupt movements of the neck can result in tears in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck. Characteristic symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck, dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome: Muscle stiffness in the shoulders and tightness in the chest from prolonged improper sitting can also lead to neck and shoulder pain.
• Stress and tension: Psychological stress can also cause muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders, contributing to discomfort.

Pathological causes of neck and shoulder pain

Neck and shoulder pain can be indicative of dangerous musculoskeletal disorders such as:

• Cervical spine degeneration: A common condition in middle-aged and older adults (aged 40 and above) where the cervical spine degenerates and bone spurs appear. These bone spurs can compress the nerves controlling sensation and movement in the neck and shoulders, causing symptoms like soreness, muscle stiffness, and pain, especially noticeable in the morning after waking up.
• Cervical disc herniation: When the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc tears or ruptures, the inner gelatinous nucleus can protrude and compress nerve roots. This compression can result in severe pain in the neck and shoulders, potentially radiating down the arm if not treated promptly.
• Neurological dysfunction: Nerves in the neck and shoulder region can be overstretched or excessively compressed, causing prolonged discomfort and disrupting neurological function in the area.
• Shoulder joint inflammation: After an accident or injury, the shoulder joint may become inflamed, leading to pain and restricted movement in the neck and shoulders. If not treated promptly, joint inflammation can result in chronic discomfort.
• Calcification of the spine: Calcium deposits in the vertebral body can lead to calcification, forming bone spurs on the spine. These spurs may compress nerve roots in the spinal canal, causing discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
• Cervical spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal due to degeneration or abnormal bone growth can compress the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in neck and shoulder pain that may radiate to the arm.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the joints, including the cervical joints, leading to soreness and muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders, particularly in the morning.
• Congenital cervical spine disorders: Some individuals may have congenital abnormalities in the cervical spine that lead to nerve compression, resulting in early neck and shoulder pain.
• Stable angina: Pain in the neck, shoulders, or jaw can be a symptom of stable angina. In this case, narrowed coronary arteries restrict blood and oxygen flow, causing discomfort.
• Neck and shoulder pain accompanied by headaches: Headaches may be associated with neck and shoulder discomfort, especially when the posterior neck muscles become tight. This condition can cause pain similar to migraines, with symptoms like aching on one side of the head, behind the eyes, and muscle stiffness in the shoulders and neck, along with headaches during neck movement.
• Cancer: In some cases, persistent neck and shoulder pain over an extended period may indicate malignant tumors in the head or neck. Additionally, unexplained shoulder pain, particularly if it persists despite rest, can sometimes be associated with lung cancer.

Other causes of neck and shoulder pain

• Age: As individuals age, their organs and musculoskeletal systems begin to deteriorate, resulting in discomfort, including in the neck and shoulders.
• Cold exposure: Exposure to cold can damage the nerves in the shoulder and neck regions, leading to discomfort.
• Weather: During seasonal transitions, especially in winter, neck and shoulder pain may become more pronounced due to lower air pressure causing blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood and oxygen flow to the muscles.
• Sleep deprivation: Inadequate sleep or poor sleeping positions can cause neck and shoulder discomfort as the muscles do not have enough opportunity to relax during rest.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking in vitamins and essential minerals can weaken peripheral nerves and result in neck and shoulder pain.
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can reduce blood circulation and increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including neck and shoulder discomfort.

Common symptoms of neck and shoulder pain

Patients may recognize neck and shoulder pain through the following symptoms:

• Sudden or gradually increasing pain in the neck and shoulders that may radiate from the neck to the shoulders and even down the arms.
• Stiffness in the neck and difficulty turning the head, especially after waking up or sitting for long periods.
• Neck and shoulder discomfort following sleep, excessive physical labor, or prolonged sitting in one position.
• Pain intensity may increase when the patient coughs, sneezes, moves the neck, stands, sits for long periods, or performs movements like lifting heavy objects, bending down, or twisting the body.
• Pain may be concentrated in the shoulder area, radiating down one or both arms, causing a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, and weakness in the shoulders and arms.
• Patients experience numbness, tingling, or a sensation like ants crawling in the neck, shoulder, or arm areas. This often happens when a nerve is compressed.
• Neck and shoulder pain can be accompanied by headaches, especially at the back of the head or on both temples. Headaches often occur when muscle tension in the neck spreads to the head.
• Sometimes, even light walking or sleeping on one’s side can cause neck and shoulder pain.
• In some cases, dizziness, vertigo, or ringing in the ears may occur.

Is neck and shoulder pain dangerous?

Neck and shoulder pain can become very dangerous if not treated promptly. Doctors warn that pain in the neck and shoulder area not only causes discomfort but can also spread to the shoulders or arms, leading to tingling, numbness, and restricted mobility.

More seriously, it can cause dangerous complications such as vestibular disorders, sensory disturbances in the limbs, increased risk of cerebral ischemia, autonomic nerve root pain, and even paralysis, permanently losing the ability to move one or both arms. Therefore, patients need to monitor their health and seek medical attention at specialized clinics if they notice the following signs:

• Neck and shoulder pain lasting more than a week.
• Increasing pain in severity and frequency, even when at rest, especially when the pain radiates down the arm or causes numbness.
• Difficulty moving the neck, shoulders, or arms, such as being unable to turn the head, lift arms, or grasp objects.
• Experiencing symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
• Acute and intense neck and shoulder pain following a sudden injury, causing damage to muscles and ligaments in the area.

Diagnosing neck and shoulder pain

When visiting a doctor, the following methods may be used to diagnose neck and shoulder pain:

Clinical examination and medical history check: The doctor will examine the body and ask about the patient’s medical history to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

X-rays: This method helps display images of bone structures, showing narrow spaces between vertebrae, the presence of bone spurs, tumors, etc.

CT scan: This imaging technique provides detailed images of internal structures in the neck and shoulder, including bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of factors related to the spinal cord, nerves, and ligaments. This method is useful for detecting nerve damage or compression that other techniques might not clearly show.

Myelogram: An alternative for patients who cannot undergo MRI, combining X-rays and injecting contrast dye into the spinal cord to assess spinal cord and nerve issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for Neck and Shoulder Pain at Optimal365 Chiropractic

Chiropractic therapy is considered an optimal method for treating neck, shoulder, and back conditions. With this method, specialized doctors use gentle manual adjustments to correct misaligned structures in the cervical spine, reducing pressure on the discs, improving cervical spine mobility, and quickly relieving neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Chiropractic Adjustment: Addressing the root cause of neck and shoulder pain

Chiropractic doctors use adjustment techniques to restructure the spine, realigning joints and returning vertebrae to their original positions. This process not only protects the nerves running through the vertebrae but also reduces pressure and compression on the nervous system, thereby relieving pain safely and effectively.

At Optimal365 Chiropractic, patients receive comprehensive diagnosis and treatment from an American-trained Chiropractic doctor and a team of highly specialized physiotherapists. The treatment plan consists of four stages: Chiropractic Adjustment, Intensive Muscle Treatment, High-Tech Therapy, and Functional Rehabilitation Exercises. We guarantee a treatment approach with no medication, no surgery, and no downtime.

At Optimal365 Chiropractic, our guiding principle is to address the root cause of neck and shoulder pain to prevent recurrence, while shortening recovery time to help patients return to their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.

Chiropractic Adjustment: Addressing the root cause of neck and shoulder pain

Chiropractic doctors use adjustment techniques to restructure the spine, realigning joints and returning vertebrae to their original positions. This process not only protects the nerves running through the vertebrae but also reduces pressure and compression on the nervous system, thereby relieving pain safely and effectively.

Additionally, chiropractic adjustments help enlarge the spinal canal, allowing the disc to return to its proper position and minimizing the risk of herniated discs. After therapy, the body’s natural healing mechanisms are activated, improving blood circulation, enhancing immunity, and accelerating the healing process.

Deep Muscle Therapy: Improving pain and restoring neck and shoulder function

The team of specialized physiotherapists at Optimal365 Chiropractic utilizes intensive physical therapy to enhance flexibility, relieve pain, and restore neck and shoulder function. Deep muscle therapy is employed to release and relax tight muscles, effectively addressing muscle pain in contracted areas. This approach strengthens and improves the flexibility of the neck and shoulder muscles, repairs damaged musculoskeletal structures, and alleviates chronic muscle pain.

Moreover, intensive muscle therapy improves blood circulation, increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, and enhances lymphatic and vascular circulation in the skin and underlying tissues. This therapy effectively targets trigger points that cause pain and muscle stiffness, resolving mobility limitations caused by acute and chronic conditions. As a result, patients recover more quickly and maintain optimal musculoskeletal function.

Healing neck and shoulder injuries from the inside using high-tech machines

Optimal365 Chiropractic utilizes advanced high-tech equipment to effectively support the healing of neck and shoulder injuries from deep within. This advanced technology activates the healing process by regenerating damaged tissue structures, stimulating metabolic activity around the treatment area, and promoting the regeneration of deep muscle and bone tissue.

As a result, patients experience rapid pain and inflammation reduction in the neck and shoulders, while deep muscle tension and spasms are minimized. Treatment with high-tech equipment enhances blood circulation, boosts metabolism and microcirculation, increases collagen production, and accelerates recovery up to five times faster than traditional methods. This leads to restored function and significantly improved quality of life through long-lasting relief.

Functional Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthening and enhancing neck and shoulder flexibility

The team at Optimal365 Chiropractic guides patients through specialized therapeutic exercises tailored to their condition to alleviate pain, strengthen, and improve flexibility in the neck and shoulder area. These exercises not only enhance muscle strength and flexibility but also help restore damaged musculoskeletal structures, maintain physical fitness, and prevent muscle stiffness or atrophy.

In addition, the patient’s range of motion is improved, increasing their ability to perform daily activities and improving posture. This process not only promotes a rapid recovery of the musculoskeletal system but also shortens the treatment period, reduces the risk of recurring injuries, and helps patients return to daily life more effectively and safely.

How to prevent neck and shoulder pain and maintain a proper nutrition regimen

To prevent and treat neck and shoulder pain effectively, patients should change their daily habits and follow a proper nutrition regimen as follows:

• For office workers or those who use computers and electronic devices for long hours: Avoid sitting for long periods without moving. After every 45 minutes of work, stand up, stretch, and move gently to reduce tension in the neck and shoulders. Avoid sleeping on the desk or chair, as this posture can cause muscle tension and pain.
• Place computers and phones in a suitable position: The computer should be at eye level, and the height of the desk and chair should be adjusted so that the elbows are at a 90-degree angle with the desk when typing. When using a phone, hold it at eye level and avoid tilting the head down for too long or slouching. Do not hold the phone between the shoulder and head when talking, as this can strain the neck and shoulder muscles.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment: Patients should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and should not stop therapy early when the pain subsides.
• Avoid actions that strain the neck and shoulder area: Limit strong movements, twisting of the neck, as these may further damage the nerves. Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long, which can cause stiffness and reduced flexibility in the neck and shoulder muscles.
• Perform neck relaxation exercises: Patients should perform gentle exercises to relax the neck muscles, such as rotating the neck, turning the head from side to side, tilting the head back and forth, etc.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Follow a well-balanced diet, supplementing with nutrients beneficial for bones and joints like calcium, magnesium, vitamins C-D-E, omega-3, and B vitamins.
• Avoid unhealthy foods: Limit oily and fatty foods, as well as stimulants like tobacco, alcohol, and beer.

When neck and shoulder pain symptoms occur frequently and intensify, patients should seek examination at specialized clinics and treatment from doctors. Early and appropriate therapeutic intervention is essential for relieving pain and quickly improving quality of life.