Question
For the past 7 or so months I have been having a problem with my right shoulder. I can not lay down on my right side because of the pain I get in the shoulder. The pain is a dull type pain, kind of like a pressure. After laying on the shoulder it is then hard for me to use the arm without causing more pain. Hard to turn over etc. During the day time it is fine. It is only when I lay on it that it is very painful. I have also been having neck pain on the right side also and spreads into the top of my shoulder. These neck aches cause headaches that actually make me sick to my stomach. I am not sure if the two are related. The neck pain comes on during the day and sometimes last all day. I take ibuprophen yet that doesn't take all the pain away. I have the neck ache more often than not having it now it seems. I am 52 year old female. 5'5, approx 140 pnds. I would appreciate any help and any possible exercise I could do to help the pain stop. PS. I have not injured my neck or shoulder. Thank you

Answer
Hello Suzanne

It sounds like you are experiencing nerve-related issues most likely due to some form of compression going on in your neck region when you lie down.

You probably have some inflammation and possibly some arthritis in your neck and this puts pressure on the nerves in your right arm and shoulder when you lie on that side.  The inflammation is probably due to something you commonly do, or did, in your life that put too much strain on the neck ?some form of lifting or carrying.

You should go see a neurologist and have him assess your shoulder and neck pain and advise how or relieve it now and prevent a recurrence in the future.  He can also tell you if the headache is related to the same cause or not.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best,
Margot