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June 19, 2013
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Shoulder and Neck Pain (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

If pain or other symptoms start to worsen, call your doctor or immediately go to a hospital emergency department.

  • For milder cases, basic home-care measures (see below) are adequate until your doctor can see you.
  • In many cases, simple injuries, such as strains and bruises, heal themselves and do not require an office visit.
  • For persisting pain in the shoulder or neck, an evaluation by a health-care professional is appropriate.
  • If you have severe or worsening pain, weakness, numbness, coolness, deformity, or color changes, you should go to a hospital emergency department immediately.
  • If you develop a high fever (temperature >102.5 F), severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or sweatiness, or if you develop the sudden onset of numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, call 911 for emergency services to go to the nearest emergency department by ambulance.

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Shoulder and Neck Pain - Causes and Outcome

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Shoulder and Hemiplagia »

Good shoulder function is a prerequisite for effective hand function, as well as for performing multiple tasks involving mobility, ambulation, and activities of daily living (ADL).

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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