Dealing with both shoulder and neck pain can be incredibly challenging, often making daily activities feel insurmountable.
If you’re struggling with these issues, you’ve come to the right place.
At Walkerville Physiotherapy, we’re here to help you understand and manage your pain.
In this blog, we’ll explore how shoulder bursitis can lead to neck pain and provide valuable insights to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Understanding Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between tissues in the shoulder.
This condition typically affects individuals who engage in repetitive shoulder activities or maintain poor posture. The bursa becomes irritated, leading to pain and swelling.
This condition can severely impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform tasks that require shoulder movement.
If left untreated, shoulder bursitis can result in chronic pain, decreased mobility, and other complications such as rotator cuff tendonitis.
Can Shoulder Bursitis Cause Neck Pain? 5 Things To Know
Referred Pain
Shoulder bursitis can cause referred pain, where discomfort in the shoulder extends to the neck.
The interconnected nature of muscles and nerves in these areas means that inflammation in the shoulder can manifest as neck pain.
Referred pain can vary in intensity, sometimes presenting as a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation, complicating the diagnosis and treatment process.
Muscle Tension
When you experience shoulder pain, your body may compensate by overusing neck muscles, leading to tension and discomfort.
This muscle tension can result in secondary neck pain, adding to your overall discomfort.
Over time, this compensatory mechanism can create a cycle of pain and tension, affecting both the shoulder and neck.
Postural Changes
Shoulder bursitis often forces individuals to adopt awkward postures to avoid pain.
Over time, these compensatory postures can strain the neck muscles and joints, contributing to neck pain.
Poor posture can exacerbate existing shoulder issues and lead to chronic neck pain if not corrected.
For instance, slouching or hunching over to relieve shoulder pain can cause the neck muscles to overwork, leading to discomfort.
Inflammation Spread
The inflammation associated with shoulder bursitis can spread to surrounding tissues, including those in the neck.
This extended inflammation can exacerbate neck pain and make movement even more difficult.
Inflammation can cause stiffness and reduce your range of motion, making it challenging to perform everyday activities that involve the neck and shoulder.
Nerve Irritation
Shoulder bursitis can irritate nearby nerves, which can transmit pain signals to the neck.
This nerve irritation can cause a persistent ache in the neck, making it challenging to find relief without addressing the underlying shoulder issue.
Nerve-related pain can be particularly troublesome, as it can lead to sensations of tingling or numbness, further complicating the pain management process.
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back
At Walkerville Physiotherapy, we’re committed to helping you find relief from shoulder pain through innovative treatments like dry needling.
Our expert team offers personalised assessments to address your specific pain points.
By partnering with us, we’ll work to identify the root causes of your shoulder pain and develop a tailored treatment strategy.
Don’t let shoulder pain control your life—book your consultation now.
Reach out online or call us at 8342 5544 to start your journey to improved health.
Take your first step towards a pain-free life today.
Other Free Resources For Shoulder Bursitis
Read Our Blog –The Best Shoulder And Neck Strengthening Exercises For Stiff Neck And Shoulders