Is Your Shoulder Pain Actually a Neck Problem?

You twist your arm to grab something from a shelf and feel that familiar ache flare up in your shoulder. You stretch, you massage it, maybe you even ice it, but the pain keeps coming back. What if your shoulder isn’t the real problem?

At Key Chiropractic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Dr. Ryan Key and our team often see patients who are surprised to learn that their shoulder pain actually starts in their neck. The connection between the two areas runs deep — literally — and understanding that link is key to long-lasting relief.

How your neck and shoulder are connected

Your neck (or cervical spine) contains nerves that travel down through your shoulders, arms, and hands. When one of these nerves becomes irritated or compressed (a condition known as cervical radiculopathy) it can cause pain that travels into your shoulder or upper arm.

Because the pain shows up away from the true source, it’s easy to mistake neck-related nerve pain for a shoulder problem. You might even notice:

• A dull ache or burning in one shoulder
• Pain that worsens when you move your neck, not your shoulder
• Tingling or numbness that runs down your arm
• Weakness when lifting or gripping

When those nerves are aggravated, your muscles tighten to compensate, creating even more tension across the shoulders and upper back. It’s a frustrating cycle, but one we can help you break.

Common causes of neck-related shoulder pain

Neck issues that lead to shoulder pain can develop from daily habits, poor posture, or injuries. One of the most common is slouching. Hours spent hunched over a phone or computer can strain your neck and shoulder muscles, leading to stiffness and fatigue that build up over time.

Herniated discs can also cause radiating pain. When a spinal disc slips out of place, bulges, or ruptures, it presses on nearby nerves, sending pain signals through the shoulder and down the arm.

Arthritis and other degenerative changes in your spine may narrow your spinal canal, irritating nerve roots and triggering pain that feels like a shoulder problem.

Finally, whiplash or sudden trauma — even something as simple as a quick twist or minor fall — can inflame soft tissues and joints in your neck, leading to soreness that spreads across your upper back and shoulders.

Understanding which of these is at play is the only way to lasting relief. Dr. Key’s careful evaluation helps identify the true source of your pain, not just the symptoms.

How we identify the true source of your pain

At Key Chiropractic, we don’t guess — we investigate. Dr. Key performs a thorough physical exam to assess your neck’s range of motion, how much muscle tension you have, and the state of your nerve function. If needed, imaging like X-rays or motion studies can reveal subtle misalignments or nerve compression that other tests miss.

How chiropractic care relieves neck-related shoulder pain

Our approach combines gentle, precise techniques that restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on your nerves. Depending on your condition, your treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and reduce nerve irritation
• Massage therapy to ease tension and improve circulation
• Spinal decompression therapy to create space for healing between discs

We may also suggest corrective exercises and posture strategies you can use at home to prevent the pain from returning.

When to see us

If shoulder pain lingers for weeks, radiates down your arm, or feels worse when you turn your head, don’t ignore it. Your neck could be asking for help. The sooner we uncover the source, the sooner you can move freely and comfortably again.

Shoulder and neck pain don’t have to limit your day. Call Key Chiropractic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, or request an appointment online to find out whether your shoulder pain is really a neck issue — and start your path to relief today.