Causes of Neck, Shoulder and Chest Pain: From Minor Injuries to Serious Health Problems

Neck, shoulder and chest pain can be caused by many reasons, and may not be an indication of a local problem only, but may be related to other organs in the body such as the heart and lungs.

Angina is one of the most prominent causes of this pain, which is a condition caused by a blockage in the coronary artery, which leads to a lack of blood flow carrying oxygen to the heart, causing chest pain that extends to the shoulder, neck and left arm.

There are two types of angina, stable angina that occurs when stressed or exerted and disappears within minutes, and unstable angina that may last longer and indicates a serious heart problem.

Myocardial infarction is one of the most serious heart diseases, and is caused by a blockage of the arteries that feed the heart, leading to a feeling of pressure and severe pain in the chest that spreads to the shoulder, neck, jaw, arms and upper back.

Picarditis is an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart that works to protect and hold it in place, and may cause chest pain that extends to the shoulder Neck

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels from another part of the body to the lungs, blocking one of the pulmonary arteries, resulting in deep chest pain, shortness of breath, and neck and shoulder pain

Pneumonia is one of the causes of neck, shoulder, and chest pain, as it leads to fluid accumulation in the air sacs, causing severe chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath
Gallstones occur when digestive fluid collects in the gallbladder in the form of solid masses that may vary in size, and may lead to pain that extends to the chest and shoulder area

A pinched nerve can cause pain in the neck, chest, and shoulder, and the symptoms associated with it vary depending on the type of nerve affected, as it may include numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation at the site of the injury and surrounding areas

There are many other causes that may lead to neck, shoulder, and chest pain, including muscle strain in these areas, tendonitis, shoulder dislocation, Fractures of the collarbone or humerus

Dealing with these pains depends on the underlying cause. In cases of heart disease, medications such as aspirin or blood thinners are used.

A doctor should be consulted immediately if you feel severe pain that gets worse in the chest and shoulder, or if you have a history of heart disease, or if you experience difficulty breathing, fainting, feeling dizzy, or feeling very weak.