Could A Pinched Nerve In The Neck Mimic Pain From Rotator Cuff Tear?

Posted on Mon, 18 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 8 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Can a pinched nerve ever cause shoulder rotary cuff pain?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herniated cervical disk mimicking rotator cuff tear

Detailed Answer:
That you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are wondering if a pinched nerve in your neck could mimic pain from a rotator cuff tear. the answer is a yes. The pinched nerve in a neck called a herniated disk with radiculopathy could easily be mistaken as shoulder pain. The only way to differentiate between the two is to have an MRI of the shoulder and of the neck. If you have had prior neck problems I would discuss your concerns with your provider and see if they will agree to the MRI of your shoulder and neck.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar