Is It Shoulder or Neck Pain?

Is that pain stemming from your shoulder or neck?

It can be confusing for both patients and physicians. Shoulder problems, like rotator cuff tears and arthritis, can mimic neck issues and vice versa.

According to board certified orthopedic spine surgeon Justin J. Park, M.D., of The Maryland Spine Center at Mercy, with neck issues, patients will often have a herniated disc causing numbness that will go all the way down the arm and into the fingers.

"With shoulder pain by itself, it's usually just limited to within the shoulder joint itself. It hurts a lot more when people are raising their arm above their head. Whereas with a herniated disc, some people actually feel better raising their arm above their head," Dr. Park said.

Dr. Park recommends a period of rest for a few days and taking anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen. If it still doesn't get better, see an orthopedic doctor who specializes in neck or shoulder problems.

To view Dr. Justin Park’s interview regarding treatment for shoulder and neck pain, click here.