Causes of Pain on the Right Side of the Neck
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Prolonged looking down at electronic devices and inappropriate pillow height can cause tension and overstretching of the neck muscles on the right side, resulting in pain. Posture correction and regular neck movements are recommended. Choose a suitable pillow to maintain the normal curvature of the cervical spine. Apply heat therapy using a warm towel or hot water bag to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily, to relieve muscle tension.
Right-sided neck pain may be caused by poor posture, neck exposure to cold, excessive exercise, cervical spondylosis, or periarthritis of the shoulder joint, and can be managed according to different situations. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Poor posture: Prolonged looking down at electronic devices or inappropriate pillow height can cause tension and overstretching of the neck muscles on the right side, resulting in pain. Posture correction and regular neck exercises are recommended. Choose an appropriate pillow to maintain the normal curvature of the cervical spine. Apply a warm towel or hot water bag to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily, to relieve muscle tension.
2. Neck exposure to cold: Cold stimulation may cause vasoconstriction and impaired blood circulation in the neck, leading to muscle spasms and pain. Keep the neck warm by dressing appropriately according to the temperature and wearing a scarf. Avoid direct exposure of the neck to air conditioning or fans at night. Moxibustion on the painful areas of the neck, as well as the Dazhui (GV14) and Fengchi (GB20) acupoints, for 15-20 minutes each time, can help promote blood circulation.
3. Excessive exercise: Strenuous exercise or large neck movements may strain the muscles and ligaments on the right side of the neck, causing increased pain during movement. Warm up properly before exercising to avoid sudden intense activity. If a strain occurs, rest and immobilize the area first. Apply cold compresses within the first 24 hours, followed by heat therapy, and use topical medications such as Yunnan Baiyao Aerosol to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
4. Cervical spondylosis: Long-term cervical strain and degeneration, disc herniation, or bone spurs may compress nerves and blood vessels on the right side of the neck, causing pain often accompanied by numbness, weakness in the upper limbs, and dizziness. It is recommended to use medications such as Jingfukang Granules, Mecobalamin Tablets, and Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-release Tablets under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.
5. Periarthritis of the shoulder joint: Degeneration and strain of soft tissues around the shoulder joint may cause inflammation that affects the right side of the neck, resulting in pain and limited range of motion during shoulder abduction and elevation. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Ibuprofen Sustained-release Capsules, Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules, and Yunnan Baiyao Plaster for treatment.
In daily life, it is recommended to improve posture during work and rest, perform regular neck stretching exercises, and use heat or cold compresses to relieve muscle tension.
References:
[1] Cao Xiao, Huang Kai, Lian Jianfeng. Analysis of the effect of acupuncture treatment on patients with cervical spondylosis pain [J]. Inner Mongolia Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 43(12): 117-119. DOI: 10.16040/j.cnki.cn15-1101.2024.12.057.
[2] Zhu Deting, Li Kai, Zhou Yun, et al. Observation on the therapeutic effects of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment in patients with different types of periarthritis of the shoulder joint [J/OL]. Journal of Cervicodynia and Lumbodinia, 1-5[2025-03-12]. http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/34.1117.R.20250224.1117.022.html.
