Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can indeed cause shoulder and neck pain. RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. While it commonly affects smaller joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, it can also impact almost every joint in the body, including Show Full Answer

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can indeed cause shoulder and neck pain. RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. While it commonly affects smaller joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, it can also impact almost every joint in the body, including those in the shoulder and neck.

For the shoulder, as many as 70 percent of people with RA may develop symptoms in their shoulder joints. RA can affect both the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone meets the tip of the shoulder blade, and the glenohumeral joint, where the head of the humerus fits into the shoulder blade. The most common symptom of shoulder arthritis is pain.

In the neck, RA can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the cervical spine (the neck region of the spine). Neck pain is a primary symptom of RA in the neck joints, often described as dull, throbbing, or aching, and can be chronic, potentially worsening if left untreated.

It's important to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options that can help manage your symptoms effectively.

 This AI-generated response comes from myRAteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Neck: 3 Ways To Manage Symptoms | myRAteam

RA Shoulder Pain: What It Feels Like and 4 Ways To Find Relief | myRAteam