Shoulder Pain Referred from the Neck: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
What Is Referred Shoulder Pain from the Neck?
Shoulder pain is not always caused by a problem within the shoulder joint itself. Sometimes, pain felt in the shoulder can originate from another area of the body, a phenomenon known as referred pain.
One common source of referred shoulder pain is the neck, specifically when nerves in the cervical spine (neck) are irritated or compressed.
Shoulder pain linked to neck issues affecting your daily comfort? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers targeted care to help you move comfortably again.

Common Causes of Referred Shoulder Pain from the Neck
Referred shoulder pain from the neck typically arises from issues affecting the nerves that travel from the neck down into the arm and shoulder. These issues can include:
Referred pain from the neck can feel like a sharp pain, dull ache, or tingling sensation in the shoulder, even when there is no problem with the shoulder joint itself.
Treatment for Referred Shoulder Pain from the Neck
Treating referred shoulder pain from the neck focuses on addressing the underlying neck issue. Treatment approaches may include:
It is important to get a proper diagnosis to determine if your shoulder pain is referred from your neck or caused by a problem within the shoulder itself. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination and may order imaging tests to identify the source of your pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Get Help for Referred Shoulder Pain at Joint Injection Clinic
Neck-related shoulder pain can cause aching, stiffness, or tingling that makes everyday movements uncomfortable and limits your daily activities. If shoulder pain from neck problems is affecting your sleep, work, or exercise routine, you don’t have to manage it alone.
At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team provides evidence-based treatments to ease referred shoulder pain and address the underlying neck issues.
We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:
Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London
Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.
Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London
Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.
Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas
Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.
Using ultrasound-guided assessments when appropriate, targeted injection therapies, and tailored physiotherapy plans, we support your recovery, helping reduce pain and improve neck and shoulder mobility so you can get back to your daily activities confidently.