Pain may radiate to shoulders, arms and head. Recovery is often slow. Plain radiographs are generally not helpful in investigating the cause neck pain. Degenerative changes are common in people over 40 years of age. MRI is useful in diagnosing more severe disorders such as abscesses, tumors, and subluxations.
Treatment is directed at early mobilization unless there is a serious underlying disorder.
Collars should be used only during work activities and not at night. Patients with persistent radicular symptoms should have more complete workups. Patients often complain of night pain and inability to lie on the affected shoulder. Shoulder pain must be differentiate from pain associated with radiculopathy. With the latter, pain tends to be less at night and is often relieved by a collar.