24/02/2026
Not all shoulder pain starts in the shoulder.
The neck and shoulder are closely connected, and irritation in the cervical spine can refer pain into the shoulder and even down the arm. Sometimes what feels like a shoulder injury is actually coming from the neck.
A few clues can help distinguish the source:
Pain triggered mainly by arm movement often suggests a shoulder joint problem.
Pain that worsens with neck movement, or travels down the arm with tingling or numbness, may point to the cervical spine.
Localised weakness can suggest rotator cuff involvement, while nerve-related symptoms tend to feel more widespread.
Correct diagnosis matters. Treating the wrong source can delay recovery and prolong discomfort.
If shoulder or arm pain is persistent or unclear, a proper assessment can help determine where itโs truly coming from and guide the most appropriate treatment.
๐ Dr Philip Mostert
๐ Johannesburg Surgical Hospital
โ๏ธ (011) 794 5758
DrMostert