Neck, left shoulder and upper back pain are a common condition that many Americans will suffer from at some point during their life. The pain caused from this can be from mild and achy to severe and chronic or anywhere in between. The causes of neck, left shoulder and upper back pain are as varied as the pain but your shoulder is often the cause. The shoulder joints movements and complex composition makes the shoulder very vulnerable to such things as tears, strains, and sprains. This can induce inflammation of the bursa, ligaments, muscles, and capsules involved in the joints makeup. Injury to the shoulder can result in neck, left shoulder and upper back pain. The shoulders joints, muscles, and tendons allow your arms their wide range of motion and if injured, it may result in pain in the shoulder and upper back that is temporary and disappears quickly or is severe and long lasting.
Some of the many causes of neck, left shoulder and upper back pain include tendinitis, which is a cord, connecting the bones, muscles or other tissues. Tendinitis can result from wear and tear over a period of years or acute injury. Other causes of tendinitis include overuse and degenerative disease. Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of neck, left shoulder and upper back pain. Your rotator cuff is tendons and muscles that provide stability and motion to your shoulder. The space provided for your rotator cuff is very narrow, so and swelling or inflammation can cause neck, left shoulder and upper back pain along with weakening your arm.
Lifestyle changes often help or prevent neck, left shoulder and upper back pain. Although you cannot always prevent injuries and accidents, there are things you can do to help stop recurring pain. Along with staying in good physical shape, a regular daily exercise program that focuses on your shoulder, neck, and back area helps strengthen and protect them. Always use proper lifting techniques, maintain good posture, learn to deal with unhealthy stress in a positive way and find new ways to perform jobs that aggravate your problem.
Anyone experiencing neck, left shoulder and upper back pain should see their doctor to get their condition diagnosed. The evaluation may consist of a physical examination and various tests such as x-rays, range of motion tests, MRI scans, and a neurological inspection. Once your doctor determines the cause of your neck, left shoulder and upper back pain, he or she will start you on a treatment program.