Shoulder problems can be mistaken for mechanical neck pain.

Patients with shoulder pain often complain of associated neck pain or mistake the pain as coming from the neck.

When neck pain complaints are felt in the shoulder area, a full examination of the shoulder for problems should be done to avoid treating the wrong problem.

Problems with the rotator cuff can be tested and some will inject anesthetic into the shoulder area to see if that helps to relieve the pain.

Radiographic studies can show details of the extent and location of any rotator cuff shoulder problems.

Acromio-clavicular joint arthritis usually presents with a bump or tenderness over the area which is at the top of the shoulder.

Arthritis of the shoulder joint itself will present with decreased motion in all directions.

Radiographic studies and injections help to diagnose the shoulder as the main problem in patients with suspected mechanical neck pain.

The next part focuses on a summary of mechanical neck pain.