Can Shoulder Bursitis Cause Neck Pain

Can Shoulder Bursitis Cause Neck Pain

Summer is associated with days filled with vibrant activities, from beach outings to nature hikes.

But for many, there’s an unwelcome companion that can overshadow these sun-drenched days – neck pain.

Shoulder bursitis, often overlooked, can play a significant role in this discomfort.

Imagine gearing up for a summer holiday, only to be hindered by a persistent ache in your neck, making every turn of your head a chore rather than a joy.

This blog delves into the often-unseen connection between shoulder bursitis and neck pain, offering insights and solutions as we reach Summer.

Understanding The Link Between Shoulder Bursitis and Neck Pain

While neck and shoulder pains are often treated as distinct issues, they are more interconnected than one might think.

Shoulder bursitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder, can lead to pain that radiates up into the neck.

This pain can be particularly aggravating when you’re trying to enjoy your holiday activities. Understanding this link is crucial for effectively managing and treating the pain.

How Shoulder Bursitis Can Cause Neck Pain

While neck pain isn’t a direct symptom of shoulder bursitis, it can be present in addition to shoulder pain.

Here is how the pain can radiate to your arm:

Referred Pain:

  • Nature of Referred Pain: Referred pain occurs when pain from one part of the body is felt in another. In the case of shoulder bursitis, the inflammation and irritation in the shoulder can trigger pain signals that are perceived in the neck area. This can be misleading and often makes pinpointing the true source of pain a complex task for both the patient and the practitioner.
  • Diagnosis Challenges: Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of how pain radiates in the body. Health professionals often need to conduct comprehensive examinations and sometimes use imaging techniques to distinguish between neck pain originating from the neck itself and pain referred from the shoulder.

Compensatory Movements:

  • Unconscious Adjustments: When your shoulder is in pain, you may subconsciously start using your neck and upper back muscles differently to minimize discomfort in the shoulder. This might mean holding your neck rigidly while moving your arm or adjusting your posture to offload the painful shoulder.
  • Resulting Neck Strain: These altered movement patterns and postures can lead to additional strain on the neck muscles and joints. Over time, this strain can manifest as stiffness, discomfort, or even chronic neck pain, as the neck muscles become overworked to compensate for the shoulder’s limitations.

Muscle Imbalances:

  • Impact of Bursitis on Muscles: Shoulder bursitis can lead to a disruption in normal muscle function around the shoulder girdle. Some muscles may become tense and overactive to protect the joint, while others may weaken due to reduced use.
  • Effect on Neck Muscles: These imbalances around the shoulder can affect the neck. Overactive muscles in the shoulder area can pull on the neck, causing tension and pain. Similarly, weakened shoulder muscles can lead to the neck taking on more load than it is accustomed to, resulting in discomfort and potential injury.
  • Altered Biomechanics: The neck and shoulder are closely linked in terms of movement and function. Muscle imbalances in the shoulder can lead to altered biomechanics when performing everyday activities, further exacerbating neck pain and potentially leading to a cycle of pain and dysfunction in both areas.

Ways Osteopaths Can Help With Neck Pain

Holistic Assessment:

Osteopaths don’t just focus on the site of pain, they consider the body as a whole.

This approach is particularly beneficial in cases where shoulder bursitis might be contributing to neck pain.

Manual Therapy:

Techniques like massage, stretching, and mobilization can be employed by osteopaths to relieve both shoulder and neck pain, addressing the root cause and the symptomatic area.

Personalized Exercise Programs:

Osteopaths can provide tailored exercise regimes that focus on strengthening and balancing the muscles in the shoulder and neck, reducing the risk of pain recurrence.

Ready To Say Goodbye To Neck Pain? 

Waking up to neck pain can be more than a mere inconvenience; it’s a barrier to fully enjoying the summer holidays. But here’s the good news!

This November, at Focus Osteopathy, we’re offering a FREE Neck Pain Assessment.

Our experienced team is here to help you understand the root causes of your discomfort and guide you towards effective, personalised solutions.

Take advantage of our FREE Neck Pain Assessment. 

During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to consult with one of our resident osteopaths.

They’ll help identify the root causes of your discomfort, offering personalized advice and unwavering support.

If this sounds like the answer to the pain that you’ve been searching for, arrange your FREE Neck Pain Assessment by filling in our simple web form or call our Mount Waverley or Murrumbeena clinic at 1300 003 007 and a member of the team will be happy to help!

Other Free Resources For Shoulder Bursitis and Neck Pain

Read Our Blog – 5 Things That Will Not Help Your Neck Pain

Read Our Blog – 3 Ways To Get Rid Of Neck Pain After Waking Up

Follow Us On Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

3 Ways To Get Rid of Neck Pain After Waking Up

Man Suffering With Neck Pain After Waking Up

Ah, summer in Australia. It’s the time for embracing the great outdoors, from beachside surfing to camping under the starry skies.

Yet, there’s a common spoiler that often lurks in the shadows of these idyllic scenes – waking up to the unwelcome grip of neck pain.

Do you struggle with neck pain after waking up?

Imagine waking up in your tent to the sound of waves, ready for a day of adventure, but instead you’re greeted by a stiff, aching neck.

It’s like a wrench thrown into your well-oiled holiday plans, turning what should be a time of relaxation and joy into a cycle of discomfort and frustration.

In this blog, you’re going to discover the causes of neck pain after waking up, and 3 key ways to alleviate it.

Understanding Neck Pain After Waking Up

Neck pain after waking up isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a signal from your body.

Often, the holiday season can inadvertently bring about changes in our sleeping environment and posture.

Maybe it’s the unfamiliar pillow at a holiday home, the awkward angle in a hammock, or even the posture you hold while catching that perfect wave.

These changes can strain your neck, leading to pain that greets you first thing in the morning.

How To Alleviate Neck Pain After Waking Up

Optimise Your Sleeping Setup:

Getting the right support for your neck is crucial, whether you’re in your everyday bed or adventuring away from home.

But how can you ensure better support?

Here are a few tips:

  • Travel Pillow Choices: Look for ergonomically designed travel pillows. Memory foam options are great as they mould to the shape of your neck, providing consistent support.
  • Inflatable Pillows for Camping: These are lightweight and can be adjusted to your comfort level. Some come with contours that align well with the neck and head, supporting your cervical spine.
  • Pillow Placement: Your pillow should fill the space between your neck and the mattress perfectly. It’s not just about having a pillow, but how you use it. The pillow should support both the neck and the head, keeping your spine in a neutral position.

Morning Stretch Routine

Incorporating a simple stretching routine into your daily routine can significantly alleviate neck stiffness.

Here’s a simple routine to start your day:

  • Neck Rotations: Slowly turn your head to the right until you feel a stretch. Hold for 5 seconds, then turn to the left. Repeat 5 times on each side.
  • Side Tilts: Gently tilt your head towards your shoulder, leading with your ear. Hold for 5 seconds on each side. This stretch targets the sides of your neck.
  • Controlled Nods: Nod your head slowly, bringing your chin towards your chest, then gently tilt it back to look upwards. This movement stretches both the front and back of the neck.
  • Frequency: Perform these stretches every morning, especially before starting activities. It can even be done while still in bed!

Mindful Posture and Movement

Your day-to-day activities have a significant impact on your neck health.

Being mindful of your posture can prevent a lot of discomfort:

  • Correct Sleeping Posture: Try to sleep on your back or side. Stomach sleeping forces your neck to twist, which can lead to pain.
  • Proper Lounging: When relaxing, use additional support like a rolled-up towel under your neck. This is especially helpful when lounging on uneven surfaces like hammocks or recliners.
  • Activity Posture: If you’re surfing, focus on keeping your neck aligned with your spine when paddling. During hikes, maintain a level gaze rather than looking down or up for extended periods.
  • Breaks and Checks: Every hour, do a quick posture check. Are your shoulders hunched? Is your neck strained? Adjust accordingly and take brief breaks to stretch.

Ready To Say Goodbye To Neck Pain After Waking Up?

Waking up to neck pain can be more than a mere inconvenience; it’s a barrier to fully enjoying the summer holidays. But here’s the good news!

This November, at Focus Osteopathy, we’re offering a FREE Neck Pain Assessment.

Our experienced team is here to help you understand the root causes of your discomfort and guide you towards effective, personalised solutions.

Take advantage of our FREE Neck Pain Assessment. 

During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to consult with one of our resident osteopaths.

They’ll help identify the root causes of your discomfort, offering personalized advice and unwavering support.

If this sounds like the answer to the pain that you’ve been searching for, arrange your FREE Neck Pain Assessment by filling in our simple web form or call our Mount Waverley or Murrumbeena clinic at 1300 003 007 and a member of the team will be happy to help!

Other Free Resources For Neck Pain After Waking Up

Read Our Blog – 5 Things That Will Not Help Your Neck Pain

Follow Us On Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

More Blogs From Focus Osteopathy

5 Things That Will Not Help Your Neck Pain

Is neck pain becoming a constant burden in your life? Unfortunately, it is for many and it leaves you unable to enjoy your new favourite book or even continue work because of the pain.

Although there are so many tips and tricks out there that you can use to help your neck pain, some of them will not provide you with a permanent solution, or they may even make your condition worse!

In this blog post, we give you an idea of what won’t help your neck pain so that you can focus your efforts on solutions that have a greater chance of getting you permanently out of pain and back to enjoying your hobbies without neck pain hindering you.

#1 Ignoring it

It’s vital to stress the importance of taking neck pain seriously as ignoring it won’t help.

Even if the discomfort is a minor twinge every now and then, it could escalate into a much more serious issue.

Ignoring the pain won’t help your neck in any way.

Instead, it could actually worsen the situation. Over time, the pain could become more severe and lead to other symptoms such as headaches and numbness in the arms or fingers.

Therefore, if you are experiencing neck pain, don’t be afraid to seek help from medical professionals to determine the underlying cause and get proper treatment.

#2 Holding Your Neck In One Position

I’m here to share with you the importance of avoiding the common misconception that holding your neck in one position for an extended period of time will help alleviate pain.

In fact, doing so won’t help your neck pain at all.

This includes attempts to rest by ceasing all activity, which may actually make the pain worse.

The reason is simple: the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck become stiff and weak when held in one position for too long.

This can result in increased pressure on the nerves and exacerbate any existing pain. Instead of immobilizing your neck, try gentle movements and stretches to keep the area limber and encourage blood flow.

This will not only provide relief but also help prevent future neck pain.

#3 Painkillers

Are you wondering if painkillers are the answer to your neck pain?

Unfortunately, although an easy solution, it’s not long-term or effective.

Although they may provide temporary relief, painkillers only mask the real problem causing your neck pain.

Plus, over time, your body may become tolerant to the painkillers, making you need to increase your doses to achieve the same relief. This can lead to a vicious cycle of dependence on painkillers without addressing the root cause of your discomfort.

Instead, it’s important to seek out the underlying issue and address it directly for long-lasting relief.

#4 Heat/Cold Packs

As someone who has treated countless cases of neck pain, I can confidently say that heat and cold therapies alone won’t help relieve your symptoms.

While they can provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation, they’re akin to painkillers in that they address the symptom without addressing the underlying problem.

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of issues, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, or even stress.

Instead of relying solely on heat or cold therapies, it’s important to address the root cause of your pain through a combination of corrective exercises and posture improvements.

#5 High-Intensity Exercise

If you’re experiencing neck pain, you might be tempted to power through a high-intensity exercise session, thinking that breaking a sweat will help alleviate your discomfort.

Unfortunately, this approach is unlikely to provide the relief you’re hoping for. In fact, it could actually make things worse.

High-intensity exercises such as burpees, jumping jacks, and sprints can put an incredible amount of strain on your neck, exacerbating pain and potentially causing further injury.

We recommend taking a measured approach to exercise when dealing with neck pain.

Focus on low-impact activities that won’t put undue pressure on your neck like pilates, a walk or even swimming.

Is Your Neck Pain Becoming Unbearable?

Here at Focus Osteopathy, we know how daunting it can be for our patients to take their health into their own hands especially when they’ve been living with the problem for a long time.

However, we’re always here to answer your questions and help you get back to good health and enjoy your hobbies again without pain and discomfort!

So this month, we’re offering you the chance to take the first step to a pain-free future with us by arranging a free neck pain assessment. During your free neck pain assessment, you will be able to speak to one of our resident osteopaths who have years of experience behind them and find out the actual cause of your neck, and the best treatment options to suit you and your recovery.

If this sounds like the answer to the pain that you’ve been searching for, arrange your free back pain consultation by filling in our simple web form or call our Mount Waverley or Murrumbeena clinic at 1300 003 007 and a member of the team will be happy to help!

Other Free Resources For People With Neck Pain 

Why not download our free back pain report to ease daily annoying neck and shoulder pain naturally before it gets any worse?

Download Your Copy Of Our FREE Neck And Shoulder Pain Report HERE!

Read Our Blog – When Your Shoulder Is Really A Pain In The Neck…

Follow Us On Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

When your shoulder is really a pain in the neck…

An aching shoulder may not necessarily indicate a shoulder problem, and equally a sore neck may not always be a neck problem. The body can often report pain in a confusing, unreliable way. It is common that people with shoulder pain really have a neck problem and vice versa.

Why? Because the neck and shoulder are closely connected by nerves. When injury occurs, referred pain can develop as a result of the brain having difficulty determining the source of pain along the commonly shared nerves. Therefore, often what we feel may not be what is actually occurring.

Because the reported site of pain is often not the source, a thorough examination in combination with a detailed history is required to determine the true source of pain. This involves range of motion testing, provocative neck and shoulder tests, and strength tests.

When the shoulder is the source

Shoulder pain is most often caused by an injury to the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the joint. The rotator cuff can be easily injured by falls, repetitive activities of the arm, sporting injuries etc.  When the rotator cuff is injured we compensate by using different muscles to perform simple tasks like reaching or picking things up. This compensation may cause both shoulder and neck pain.

How do you know it’s your shoulder? You may have a shoulder problem if your pain:

  • Develops in the shoulder itself (at the ball and socket joint)
  • Is on the outside of your upper arm
  • Is dull and aching at the above locations
  • Occurs when you do movements involving the arm
    • reaching overhead
    • reaching behind your back
    • when lifting
    • putting your jacket on
  • Radiates into the upper arm, but not past the elbow
  • Aches at night in the shoulder joint
  • Improves when you rest your arm

When the neck is the source

The neck is made up of eight pairs of joints and many nerves and muscles, which means inflammation of any of these structures can cause neck pain. Considering the neck is responsible for all head movements, including even the slightest nod when in a conversation, there is a good chance you will experience inflammation in the neck at some point!! Common ways to injure your neck include; sleeping awkwardly, turning your head suddenly and awkwardly, holding your neck in one position too long (ie at computer or on the phone), car accidents to name a few.

How do you know it’s your neck? You may have neck pain if your pain:

  • Develops in or on the side of your neck, or develops in the shoulder blade
  • Is sharp or stabbing in the neck
  • Radiates down past your elbow or even into your hand
  • Causes difficulty turning your head, or looking up or down
  • Is relieved when you support your neck

It’s important to see a specialist to get a thorough physical examination of your neck and shoulder to help with diagnosis. Whether the problem lies in your neck or your shoulder, it is imperative that conservative measures are first adopted.

5 ways to help relieve pain from a shoulder problem

  1. Resting from activities that aggravate pain
  2. Osteopathic /physical therapy treatment
  3. Icing the shoulder
  4. Anti-inflammatory medications, as directed by your health professional
  5. Rehabilitation/strengthening exercises for the shoulder

If these measures fail to bring relief, you may need imaging (ie X-ray or MRI) of your shoulder to definitively diagnose if there is a more severe injury such as a tear.

6 ways to help relieve pain from a neck complaint

  1. Osteopathic /physical therapy treatment
  2. Ice or heat
  3. Massage
  4. Resting from aggravating activities
  5. Anti-inflammatory medications, as directed by your health professional
  6. Postural exercises

Whether you have persistent pain in your shoulder, your neck or both, don’t wait to seek advice. Having an osteopath or other physical therapist evaluate your complaints will determine where the main problem is and will get you started on the correct course of treatment for you. The earlier the intervention, the quicker the resolution.