Hi, I Have Been Dealing With Neck And Shoulder Issues

Posted on Thu, 26 Mar 2020

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

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have been dealing with neck and shoulder issues for 4 years. last may I had c-4 c-5 fused. As well as operations on both shoulders. The pain into my right shoulder is constant. Even after the operation the pain reminded exactly the same. Is it possible the pain is coming from another level in my c spine. Can c5 c6 cause shoulder pain? I don't have any pain down into my elbow for hand and no weakness.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Different nerve roots may cause shoulder pain. Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.

I have read your query.

The nerve root involved depends on the location of the pain on the part of the shoulder.

Affected C5 nerve root tends to lead to pain in the upper shoulder near the neck.

C6 radiculopathy would be more on the outer shoulder and likely a pain that feels closer to skin level.

C7 radiculopathy would be the inner part of the shoulder closer to the spine.

This should be evaluated clinically by a Neurologist.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 days later)

Hi, thanks for your response. I recently have been trying to strengthen the neck I implemented a strengthen training tool called the iron neck into my routine, here is a video of the device beinging utilized https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loB3iIw4bLU. After using the device i began experiencing sharp painful headaches. I fear I may have jeopardized my c4/5 fusion (I had the fusion about 10 months ago). Is it possible the fused bone could break? In that case what symptoms would I experience?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answered below.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

I saw the video about the iron neck device that you referred to.

It is possible that the symptoms you describe were caused by these exercises.

In the case of neck fusion procedures, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles should be moderate and guided by licensed professionals.

This in order to avoid damage that in rare cases may include the fusion itself.

In such cases, symptoms are worsened by neck movements, and if suspected, imaging is necessary (x-rays, etc.) to evaluate this properly.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T