What Causes Severe Pain From Neck To Shoulder?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014

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

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have severe pain on the right side of my neck to my shoulder and to my head. I cannot sleep the pain is so severe. I can move my head left and right, but I cannot touch my chin t my chest. I have suffered neck pain all the time, but this is not in the back and it seems to get worse. I have taken two aspirin. I usually can take one and the pain subsides. I do not take any medication, except for an aspirin maybe 1 time every 6 months. I have no illnesses.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are having cervical sondylosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,
I have studied your case in detail and I believe you are having cervical spondylosis with disc herniation. This is causing nerve compression and pain. To confirm this diagnosis you need to get neck x ray and MRI.
Till you get your investigation done I would recommend following :
1. Avoid using very high pillow.
2. Avoid keeping your neck in same position for long time.(watching TV/computer)
3. Soft cervical collar will also help you.
4. I usually give Tablet Pregabalin and Methylcobal in my patients.
5. intermittent cervical traction exercises, and neck muscles physiotherapy.
I hope these measures will help you. If on MRI disease is advance stage; then you might need surgical intervention.
Let me know if you want to ask any thing else.
Thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj