Neck pain is very common. The pain which arises spontaneously in any part of the spine, the precise cause or origin of the pain is often associated with degenerative change affecting the joints between the vertebrae and also the discs are most often believed to be the problem.
The intervertebral discs contribute to length of the cervical column and this is an important factor contributing to the relative freedom of movement of the neck. They are very soft and jelly-like which form the weight-bearing link of each vertebral 'mobile segment'. When particular degeneration occurs relatively uniformly throughout the length of the cervical spine, the intervertebral disc is most susceptible to herniate, prolapse and degenerate.

            Shoulder pain resembles cervical spondylosis, which can result from arthritis, but other soft-tissue problems are actually rather more common. The most frequent problem is rotator cuff tendonitis, which may often result from trauma to the tendons. There may be repeated minor trauma resulting from a repetitive activity. The pain is usually experienced in the shoulder or in the upper outer arm. Pain may restrict movements of the arm to some extent, but not usually as much as in the case of the other fairly common shoulder problem, 'frozen shoulder' or adhesive capsulitis. The shoulder becomes extremely stiff and painful, usually gets worse at night.

            Shoulder and neck pain is a common condition. Striking a golf ball, cleaning windows or reaching for a jar can strain and injure shoulder muscles and tendons, especially in people who are out of condition. Poor posture or unnatural sleeping positions. Sleeping on a soft mattress can give you a stiff neck the next morning. Arthritis may affect the shoulder though the shoulder may be involved in RA for instance. For elderly people, osteoarthritis may occur and degenerative change may also result if the rotator cuff tendons become damaged.