What Causes Pain In Neck And Shoulder Along With Dizziness?

Posted on Tue, 20 Jan 2015

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

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I'm a 66 female and starting 2 days ago I started getting a pain in my neck and shoulder, like I had sleep on it wrong on the left side. Yesterday I started having dizziness and it remains all the time. I'd like to know what May be causing this.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cervical Spondylosis. X-rays, Ortho opinion, medication.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is most likely Cervical Spondylosis leading to muscle spasm.

2. Get Cervical Spine X-rays done to confirm any changes including age related changes in the cervical spine.

3. Get an opinion from an Orthopedician regarding management and treatment.

4. The dizziness is also related to the muscle spasm. It will reduce after treatment.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I have a deteriorating disc in my neck on the left, could this be what is causing the muscle spasm? Is there anything I can do temporarily for the dizziness?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, the cervical disc degeneration should be treated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, that would be the most likely cause for such symptoms.

2. Gentle neck exercises and physiotherapy will help reduce the dizziness. Heat fomentation can be done.

3. You may request your physician for anti-dizziness medication such as Stugeron (cinnarizine), Vertin (betahistine) or Stemetil (prochlorperazine).

4. The cervical disc degeneration should be treated by a Specialist. This will give long term relief.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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