Neck and shoulder pain — which specialty
Aching in the neck and shoulder, sometimes travelling down the arm.
Usually seen by
Rheumatology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Neurology — if it travels down the arm with numbness or weakness
- Rehabilitation medicine — for an exercise programme
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Neck pain after an accident or a fall
- Neck pain with arm weakness that is worsening
- Neck pain with fever and a stiff neck
- Neck pain with dizziness, difficulty speaking or double vision
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- One side or both
- Whether it travels down the arm, how far, and whether there is numbness
- How many hours a day you spend at a screen
- How high your pillow is and what position you sleep in
- What you have already tried, and what happened
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A photograph of where you work — the height of your screen and chair says a great deal
- Previous neck imaging
What a first visit usually involves
- Examination of neck movement
- Neurological examination of the arms
- Advice on posture and specific exercises