Get Your Free Neck & Shoulder Pain Report!
If you’re struggling with neck or shoulder pain, stiffness, or that frustrating ache that makes it hard to turn your head or lift your arm, it’s easy to dismiss it at first. Maybe you’ve blamed it on “sleeping funny,” sitting at your desk too long, or just general tension that you hoped would settle down on its own…
But it isn’t easing off – and now it’s starting to affect your daily movement, mood, or even sleep.
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone – and we hear this all the time. Neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common issues people come to see us about at our physical therapy clinic here in Oklahoma City, OK especially when it’s been lingering longer than expected.
Neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common issues we see, and it affects people of all ages and activity levels. These areas of the body work together to support posture, head position, and daily movement, which means they are easily stressed by modern habits. Many people spend long periods looking down at a phone, leaning over a laptop, or sitting in one position for more than 30 minutes at a time. These small but repetitive stresses can place significant strain on the muscles, joints, and nerves in the neck and upper back.
Contrary to what many believe, neck and shoulder pain is not usually caused by weakness or stress alone. More often, it develops from staying in certain positions for too long or repeatedly bending the head forward. Over time, these patterns can irritate joints, reduce mobility, and place pressure on nerves that travel into the shoulder blade and arm.
This discomfort can interfere with nearly every part of daily life, from driving and working to sleeping comfortably or even holding a simple conversation. When you cannot lift your head easily, look over your shoulder, or maintain comfortable posture, your ability to move confidently and safely becomes limited.
Symptoms can vary widely, but they often develop gradually. The most common include stiffness through the neck or upper shoulders, pain that radiates between the shoulder blades, and difficulty holding your head upright for long periods. Many people also report discomfort when turning to look over their shoulder, checking blind spots while driving, or lifting items such as a bag or laundry basket.
In some cases, the pain can extend into the arm. This may feel like a deep ache, a burning sensation, or even tingling or heaviness. These symptoms often indicate irritation of a nerve in the neck, especially when pain follows a specific path down the arm.
Neck and shoulder pain can also make everyday activities more difficult. You may notice discomfort when talking with a friend, looking up at a stoplight, or working at a computer. For some, it can even affect balance, focus, or overall confidence in movement.
At Taylor Physical Therapy, our approach goes far beyond basic exercises. Many patients come to us after trying standard treatments elsewhere – heat, massage, or generic strengthening programs – without meaningful or lasting improvement. When you come in for an evaluation, we begin by identifying the exact source of your discomfort. This includes looking closely at the joints, discs, and nerves to understand what is truly contributing to your symptoms.
From there, we use a combination of advanced regenerative and hands-on therapies. These may include manual techniques to improve joint mobility, unloading or traction to reduce disc pressure, and regenerative tools such as red light therapy, PEMF, and other cellular-supporting technologies that help tissues recover more efficiently. For issues like radiculopathy or trigger points in the shoulder blade region, we offer targeted solutions including Stimpod and other therapies designed to reduce nerve irritation and restore normal movement.
Our goal is always to help you move more comfortably, drive with confidence, stay active with your family, and return to the daily routines that matter most.
If you want a deeper understanding of what causes neck and shoulder pain – and practical steps you can take to feel better – download our free report. It’s designed to give you clear, helpful information you can start using today, along with guidance on when hands-on support may be the right next step.