Before any neck or shoulder pain can be treated, the reason for the pain must be found out by a professional. It could be caused by nothing more than being in a position that will cause you to overuse certain muscles, working out with weights using the wrong technique, tension, or something more serious. No treatment can be prescribed without knowing the cause of the problem.

The first thing you need to do if you have neck and or shoulder pain is to determine if your position might be causing the problem. If the pain is slight, rest and possibly some heat or ice may be all that is required. You might also try some OTC medication such as aspirin, some simple stretching, or a non-aspirin pain reliever, while resting and making sure to remain as still as possible. If the pain continues or gets worse, you may need to seek a medical professional to determine the cause of your pain.

Once the doctor makes their diagnosis, they will better be able to prescribe a treatment regime for the cause of your pain. The worst thing you can do for any pain is to self-treat yourself with some medication that might be too old or something that some family member was prescribed. Taking any prescription medication that was not prescribed for you by a doctor is never a good idea, although I know people that have done this. It is never a good practice because you may not be aware of any side effects of the medication.

Your neck or shoulder pain may be caused by having your arms raised in an awkward position for too long, with rest, the pain will subside on its own. Tension can cause neck and shoulder pain as well. The treatment for tension might be as simple as resting and massaging the affected areas. While performing some tasks you might begin to notice some discomfort. The discomfort might be telling you that the position you are in is not the proper position for the task. You might also be trying to lift too much weight, which might also cause a strain.

If you think something doesn't feel right, stop and think about what you are doing and if you are doing it properly. Never overreach or stand with your arms above your head for extended periods, like painting or working at an improper angle. If you are, change your position before you develop neck and shoulder pain.

The best treatment for any pain is not to get it in the first place. This is done by proper rest, proper working angles and never overtaxing yourself. Stress can cause neck and shoulder pain, so try to reduce your stress levels and reduce the tension factor that may cause you neck or shoulder pain before it happens.

If you do develop any pain, try an OTC first and rest. If that doesn't help you, there might be a more serious underlying problem that will require medical intervention to alleviate the pain.