Many people experience shoulder and neck pain on the right side, and it can interfere with everyday activities like sleeping, driving, or even turning your head. Understanding where this pain comes from is the first step toward finding relief and preventing it from getting worse.
Muscle Strain or Overuse
One of the most common causes of pain in the right shoulder and neck is muscle strain. This can happen when muscles are overused, especially during repetitive tasks like typing, lifting, or driving. Poor posture, such as slouching while sitting or looking down at your phone for long periods, also contributes to this problem.
The muscles in the neck and upper back are connected. When one group is strained, it affects nearby muscles and leads to stiffness and discomfort on one side. If you sleep in an awkward position or carry heavy bags on the same shoulder, that strain builds up over time. You might feel tightness, tenderness, or difficulty moving your neck without pain.
Stretching, resting, and correcting your posture can help relieve mild cases. However, if the pain keeps coming back, it may be time to look deeper into the cause.
Cervical Disc Issues
The cervical spine, located in the neck, has discs that cushion the vertebrae. These discs can wear down over time or become herniated, pressing on nearby nerves. When this happens, pain can radiate from the neck into the right shoulder and arm.
This type of pain may feel sharp, especially when you move your neck a certain way. You might also notice numbness or a tingling sensation in the arm or hand. These are signs that a nerve may be affected by a bulging or damaged disc.
Disc problems often come from aging, injuries, or poor posture. Treatment depends on the severity but may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or other non-surgical options.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated, often in the cervical spine. This can result in localized neck pain, but it may also travel down into the shoulder and even the arm.
When a nerve is pinched on the right side, it usually causes symptoms only on that side. You might feel a burning sensation, weakness, or a “pins and needles” feeling. Sometimes, people describe a deep ache that doesn’t go away with rest.
Common causes include herniated discs, arthritis, or injuries. Poor neck positioning, especially during sleep or when using screens, makes this issue worse. Identifying the exact source of compression is important for proper treatment.
Joint Dysfunction or Arthritis
Another possible reason for shoulder and neck pain on the right side is joint wear and tear. Both the cervical facet joints in the spine and the shoulder joints can become inflamed or degenerate over time. This leads to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and chronic pain.
Arthritis can affect one side more than the other, especially if you tend to use that side more often. Right-side dominance in daily tasks like writing, lifting, or throwing can contribute to this imbalance.
People with joint-related pain often notice morning stiffness that improves slightly with movement. As arthritis progresses, the joints may become less flexible and more painful. Gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy can help manage the symptoms.
Gallbladder or Organ-Related Pain
Although rare, shoulder and neck pain on the right side can come from internal organs—most notably, the gallbladder. Gallstones or inflammation can cause referred pain. This means the pain shows up in areas other than the organ itself.
This type of pain tends to feel deep and persistent, often remaining steady regardless of movement—unlike discomfort caused by muscle or joint problems. When paired with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive disturbances, it may point to a gallbladder issue.
Prompt medical attention is key, especially if multiple symptoms are present. Diagnostic tools like imaging or lab tests can help identify the underlying cause.
Injury or Trauma
Right-sided shoulder and neck pain may stem from a recent accident or fall, even if the impact seemed minor. Whiplash, commonly caused by car accidents, often triggers symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These symptoms may not surface immediately but typically develop within a few days.
Whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly thrust forward and then snapped backward, placing stress on muscles, ligaments, and sometimes nerves. This strain can lead to persistent discomfort if left untreated.
Physical therapy is often recommended after trauma to support healing and prevent further issues. If pain continues beyond a few weeks, further evaluation might be necessary to rule out deeper injuries.
Poor Posture and Ergonomic Habits
Daily habits can have a big impact on neck and shoulder health. Poor posture, especially during long hours of sitting or screen time, is a frequent trigger for pain on the right side. When your head juts forward or your shoulders slump, it places extra pressure on the neck muscles and spinal joints.
Working at a desk with uneven arm support, using a computer mouse on one side only, or looking down at your phone for extended periods all contribute to imbalances. Over time, this leads to fatigue, tightness, and discomfort, most often on your dominant side, which for many people is the right.
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Modifying chair height, using proper back support, and taking short, frequent stretch breaks help reduce discomfort and support long-term musculoskeletal health. A physical therapist or ergonomic evaluation can pinpoint specific stressors and offer targeted solutions.
Repetitive Motion and Occupational Factors
Many jobs and activities place repeated stress on the muscles and joints of the right shoulder and neck. Over time, these repetitive motions can cause pain, stiffness, and even nerve irritation. People who work in manufacturing, hairstyling, assembly lines, or cleaning often perform the same actions day after day using their dominant side.
Movements like reaching, lifting, twisting, or leaning in one direction create an imbalance. Even office workers who use a mouse or phone mostly with their right hand may experience discomfort on that side. It’s not always the intensity of the movement that causes problems—it’s the frequency and duration.
To help reduce the strain, it helps to alternate hands, adjust workstation height, and take regular breaks. Recognizing these work-related patterns early can help stop the problem from getting worse.
Stress and Muscle Tension
Emotional stress frequently manifests as physical tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. When stress levels rise, muscles in these areas instinctively tighten. This often leads to persistent soreness, stiffness, and tension headaches that begin at the base of the skull or upper neck.
Muscle tension related to stress doesn’t always respond well to pain medication because the root cause isn’t physical exertion—it’s the nervous system’s response. You might also notice shallow breathing or clenching your jaw, which adds to the discomfort.
To ease stress-related tension, many people benefit from deep breathing exercises, short walks, and gentle stretching routines. Activities like yoga or massage can also help relax both the body and the mind. Paying attention to stress levels is just as important as managing posture or activity.
Sleeping Position and Pillow Support
How you sleep at night has a big effect on neck and shoulder comfort. Poor sleeping positions, such as lying on your stomach or using a pillow that doesn’t support your neck, can lead to stiffness and pain—especially on the side you tend to favor.
Side sleepers who curl up tightly or press one shoulder under their head often wake up with pain on that side. Back sleepers using a pillow that’s too thick or too flat may also place strain on the neck. The goal is to keep your spine in a neutral, comfortable position through the night.
You can reduce discomfort by using a pillow that supports the curve of your neck and by avoiding awkward head positions. If you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees may help reduce twisting in the spine. These simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) happens when the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib become compressed. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder, neck, and arm, often just on one side.
TOS can be caused by poor posture, repetitive overhead movements, or previous injuries. People may notice that their hand feels cold or that symptoms worsen when lifting their arms. Sometimes, the symptoms are confused with other conditions, which makes diagnosis challenging.
Treatment usually involves stretching, posture correction, and strengthening exercises to open up the area and reduce pressure. In more persistent cases, medical imaging may help identify the exact cause.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage and reduce pain in the neck and shoulder. It focuses on improving posture, restoring movement, and strengthening muscles that support the spine and shoulder blades. Many people find that their pain decreases as their mobility and alignment improve.
A trained physical therapist will tailor the approach to fit your specific situation. This might include manual therapy, guided exercises, and posture training. These techniques help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function without relying on medications or injections.
Working with a physical therapist also helps you build habits that support long-term relief. Learning proper movement patterns, you can reduce the chances of pain coming back later on.
How to Avoid Neck and Shoulder Pain
Avoiding neck and shoulder pain often comes down to simple habits and better body awareness. Here are practical tips you can follow:
- Maintain good posture. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and screens at eye level to reduce pressure on your neck and upper back.
- Take regular movement breaks. If you sit for long periods, stand up and stretch every 30–60 minutes to prevent muscle stiffness.
- Use proper sleep support. Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can twist the neck unnaturally.
- Switch up how you carry things. Don’t rely on just one side of your body. Alternate arms when carrying bags or heavy items to reduce strain.
- Stretch daily. Gentle stretches for the neck, shoulders, and upper back can improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Manage screen time. Avoid looking down at your phone or laptop for extended periods. Use stands or props to raise your devices to a more neutral height.
- Practice stress relief techniques. Deep breathing, short walks, or relaxing hobbies can help reduce the tension that builds up in your shoulders and neck.
- Stay active. Regular movement keeps your muscles strong and prevents stiffness. Light exercises or walks each day can make a big difference.
- Don’t ignore pain. If discomfort begins, address it early with rest, stretching, or professional guidance before it becomes a bigger issue.
When to See a Doctor
While neck and shoulder pain can go away with rest and home care, some symptoms signal a more serious problem. You should seek medical help if:
- The pain doesn’t improve after a few days
- You experience numbness, weakness, or loss of coordination
- You have a fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe headaches
- The pain started after a fall, accident, or sudden movement
These red flags could point to nerve damage, infections, or other conditions that need prompt treatment. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from getting worse.
Understanding and Managing Right-Sided Neck and Shoulder Pain
Right-sided shoulder and neck pain can stem from many sources—muscle strain, disc issues, nerve compression, joint problems, or even internal organs. Recognizing the pattern of symptoms helps guide treatment and recovery.
At Berman Physical Therapy, we help people over 50 live active, pain-free lives without depending on medications, doctor visits, or surgery. Our expert team in Naples, FL, offers physical therapy for back pain, neck and shoulder pain, knee pain, and more.
We are ready to support your healing journey with hands-on care that fits your lifestyle. Contact us today.
Dr. Jake Berman
Latest posts by Dr. Jake Berman (see all)
- Episode 150: Mental Health and the Gut! Don’t miss this episode! - July 28, 2025
- How To Avoid Knee Pain In Old Age - June 12, 2025
- Do You Need A Referral For Physical Therapy In Naples, FL? - June 8, 2025