What Causes Severe Right-sided Pain In Neck Radiating To Upper Back?

Posted on Mon, 5 Jan 2015

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

Mon, 5 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I began having moderate to severe pain in right side of neck 2 days ago. Pain has progressed to center or upper back between shoulder blades and into right shoulder. Possible cause?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle strain most likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking Health care magic forum.

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be due to neck and upper back muscle strain. It is usually due to repetitive stress injury.

Do you have any associated chest pain or discomfort? Are you having hypertension? In such cases an ECG should be taken to rule out cardiac cause.

A physical examination with an orthopedician will help you to rule out the condition. In such case in my patients i advise NSAIDs like Aceclofenac and muscle relaxants like thiocolchicoside. Gels like ketoprofen for local application also will be helpful. If it is present for long term i advise physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises also.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Thank you for your evaluation. To answer your question, I am not having chest pain nor hypertension. I just had a physical exam in July 2014 and showed no caridac indications at that time.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
repetitive stress injury

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow up query.

In such case it is most likely muscle strain due to repetitive stress injury. NSAIDs , muscle relaxants and local anti inflammatory gels usually help.

Hope this may help you . Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E