Neck and shoulder pain: cervical spondylosis, red flags and which doctor to see
Neck pain is most often caused by muscle tension: screens, an uncomfortable pillow, a draft. It usually settles in a few days; if the pain is severe, radiates to an arm or comes with numbness, book a neurologist.
Common causes
- Muscle tension from computer and smartphone use
- An awkward sleeping position
- Age-related changes of the cervical spine (cervical spondylosis, locally called “osteochondrosis”)
- Disc herniations pressing on nerve roots
- Stress and habitual shoulder tension
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Neck pain after an injury or road accident
- Pain with numbness or weakness in an arm
- Pain with high fever and inability to bend the head forward
- Pain with dizziness, double vision or speech problems — call 103
- Night pain that keeps getting worse
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Neurologist
What to bring to the visit
- A description: when it hurts, which movements make it worse
- Previous images of the cervical spine, if any
- A list of medicines you take
- Information about your work — screen time, driving
Frequently asked questions
Cervical spondylosis (“cervical osteochondrosis”): what are the signs and which doctor?
This is age-related wear of the discs and small joints of the neck, often called “cervical osteochondrosis” in Armenia; it also shows up on scans of people without pain. It is usually linked to neck pain and stiffness that can spread to the shoulder or shoulder blade, sometimes a headache at the back of the head, and, if a nerve root is pinched, shooting pain down the arm and numb fingers. See a neurologist, who relies on the examination, not just the scan; if the pain comes with numbness or weakness in an arm, do not wait for a scheduled visit.
Neck and shoulder pain from desk work: who should I see?
Most often it is muscle tension from holding one position for a long time — at a screen, with a phone, behind the wheel. If the pain does not go away, keeps coming back or spreads to an arm, see a neurologist and tell them how many hours a day you spend at a screen and how your workplace is set up. If the shoulder joint itself hurts, you need an orthopedist; after an injury, see a doctor urgently.
Why does the back of my neck hurt?
Most often it is tension in the neck and shoulder muscles: the head bent over a screen or phone for hours, an uncomfortable pillow, stress; sometimes age-related changes or a herniated disc. Muscle pain like this usually settles in a few days. If it comes with a high fever and you cannot bring your chin to your chest, call 103; after an injury, see a doctor urgently.
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes: pain from the neck can spread to the back of the head — doctors call this a cervicogenic headache; it is sometimes called “cervical migraine”, although it is not a migraine. A neurologist will work out where your headache comes from. For a sudden, worst-ever headache or a headache with dizziness, double vision, speech problems or weakness in an arm, call 103.
Whom should I see if my fingers go numb?
A neurologist: numbness is usually related to cervical nerve roots or tunnel syndromes.
Is it okay to crack and stretch my neck?
Forceful manipulation without an examination can do harm. First let the doctor rule out nerve root and vessel problems, then pick the right exercises.
More in “Back and joints”
- Low back pain
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- Knee pain
Orthopedist
- Numbness in the hands
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.