Neck, Shoulders or Upper Back Pain – Issues & Causes
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Adaptation
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce and explore issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain.
Objective
Become familiar with issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain including postural issues, weak serratus anterior muscles, winging scapula, frozen shoulder syndrome and rotator cuff injury and note anatomy topics that can help to increase knowledge of related issues.
What You'll Get
Note the anatomy topics that will help to increase knowledge of issues that students may be experiencing related to the neck, shoulders or upper back. Describe the prevalence of shoulder pain and why athletes are more prone to experiencing shoulder issues. List potential causes for neck, shoulder or upper back pain. Name four related issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain. Explain the cascade of effects that are likely from a forward head posture. Describe the effect that rounding has on the shoulder blades and surrounding muscles. Provide the clinical definition of kyphosis and explain the effect that a constant forward-head position has on the serratus anterior muscles. Learn where we might feel tension or pain that is actually referred pain from a weak serratus anterior. Describe and discuss winging scapula, frozen shoulder syndrome and rotator cuff injury.
Closely Related Study Material
See the following closely related material, as needed:
- Anatomy of the Spine
- Anatomy of Shoulders
- Anatomy of Movement
Prevalence
- A 2004 PubMed meta-analysis of 19 studies concluded that “reported prevalence figures on shoulder complaints diverged strongly.”
- A Yoga Journal article reported nearly 14 million Americans visiting a doctor for shoulder pain in 2003.
- Athletes may be more prone to shoulder injuries because of some repetitive movements, such as found in baseball, golf and tennis. (Catherine Guthrie)
- “Only about 50% of all new episodes of shoulder complaints presenting in medical practice showing a complete recovery within 6 months.” (Intech, The Epidemiology of Shoulder Pain)
2010 REPORT: NECK AND SHOULDER DISORDERS
Shoulder pain is only surpassed by pain in the low back and knee in terms of the most common areas of musculoskeletal pain. One-year prevalence rates for shoulder disorders range from 5% to 47%. Eighteen percent of insurance disability payments made for musculoskeletal pain can be attributed to patients with neck and shoulder disorders. – International Association for the Study of Pain
2006 U.K. STATISTICS
The annual prevalence… of people consulting for a shoulder condition was 2.36% … Prevalence increased linearly with age… Around half of the [new] cases consulted once only, while 13.6% were still consulting with a shoulder problem during the third year of follow-up. During the 3 yr. following initial presentation, 22.4% of patients were referred to secondary care, 30.8% were prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 10.6% were given an injection by their general practitioner (GP). – Oxford Academic
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Discussion
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