Do you feel a nagging ache or sharp pain on the right side of your neck? You’re not alone. Many people experience discomfort that affects one side of the neck, and often it’s the right side. Whether it’s a dull ache, throbbing pain, or stiffness when turning your head, right-sided neck pain can interfere with daily life — and it can be frustrating when the cause isn’t clear.
In this post, we’ll explore what might be causing your pain, how to tell if it’s something serious, and what you can do to start feeling better.
Causes of Pain in the Right Side of the Neck
Neck pain that sticks to one side, especially the right, is often due to muscle tension, poor posture, or even how you sleep. But other causes can be more serious.
Some of the most common causes of pain in the right side of the neck include the following:
- Spinal Disc Degeneration
- Muscle Damage from Poor Posture or Sleep Position
- Impact Injury
- Whiplash or a Sudden Jolt to the Neck
- Nerve Compression (Cervical Radiculopathy)
- Sudden-onset or Acute Torticollis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cancer
- Infection
Spinal Disc Degeneration
Vertebrae in the neck and the soft discs between them wear down naturally with age. This is known as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). Disc degeneration can eventually lead to arthritis of the neck.
As these soft discs deteriorate, the vertebrae may rub against each other, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness in the neck, back, and extremities.
Muscle Damage from Poor Posture or Sleep Position
Poor posture and poor spinal sleep alignment can damage the bones, muscles, nerves, and joints in the neck. These can all cause pain in the neck.
Impact Injury
Impact injury to the neck can damage the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and vertebrae in the neck. Neck trauma can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Nerve damage due to impact injuries may also cause pain in other body parts.
Whiplash or a Sudden Jolt to the Neck
Whiplash describes an injury to the neck where the head jolts forward and then back into place very quickly. This can cause pain, muscle spasms, and headaches.
The movement resembles the crack of a whip. People tend to think of whiplash about car accidents, but it can also occur due to sporting activities and other sudden movements.
Nerve Compression (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical Radiculopathy, which people often refer to as a pinched nerve, occurs when irritation of the nerves originating in the spinal cord in the neck causes pain to radiate down the arm.
Although this can result in pain in the neck, the primary symptoms include:
- Numbness in the arms
- Pins and needles in the arms
- Pain or weakness in part of the arms
Sudden-onset or Acute Torticollis
Torticollis is a medical condition in which the head becomes twisted to one side. Many cases are due to minor ligament or muscle sprains in the neck, although exposure to cold temperatures for an extended period could also be a cause.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints. This can cause joint pain, as well as worsening joint degradation.
Rheumatoid arthritis in the neck is rare and most commonly occurs during latter stages of the condition.
Cancer
Cancers of the head and neck are rare and typically begin in the:
- Throat
- Larynx
- Oral cavity
- Nasal cavities
- Salivary glands
The growth of tumors in and around the neck can impact the bones, muscles, and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and swelling.
Infection
Viral and bacterial infections, such as colds, the flu, and tonsilitis, can cause inflammation and pain in the throat and surrounding tissues.
When the Pain Includes Your Shoulder or Back of the Neck
We often hear from clients who say:
“I have pain in my right shoulder and neck,” or “It feels like it’s between the neck and shoulder on the right side.”
That area is where several important muscles and nerves come together. When it hurts, it could be due to:
- Overuse from work or exercise
- A pinched nerve in the neck
- Shoulder joint problems radiating pain upward
Similarly, pain in the back of the right side of your neck could be due to posture or a strained muscle, especially after a long day at the computer or looking down at your phone.
What About Women-Specific Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Some women experience right-sided neck and shoulder pain that’s linked to hormonal changes, stress tension, or even bra strap strain. This can affect posture and muscle tension, leading to a dull ache that sticks around.
If you’re experiencing this regularly, hands-on treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help address the root cause.
How to Relieve Right Side Neck Pain at Home
The treatment for neck pain will depend on its cause. Mild cases may resolve independently or with home treatments, while severe or chronic pain may require medical intervention.
When neck pain is mild or moderate, it is usually possible to treat the symptoms at home. Some cases of neck pain will clear up quickly over a day, while others may require a few weeks to resolve fully.
A person may wish to use home remedies before seeking medical help. People can try the following methods to ease their pain:
- Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Applying heat or ice.
- Massaging and manipulating the neck.
- Stretching the neck.
- Practicing good posture when sitting, standing, and walking.
- Sleeping in a position that supports the neck.
Get Help at Fulcrum Therapy in Coquitlam
If your right side neck pain just won’t go away — or keeps coming back — our team is here to help. At Fulcrum Therapy, we combine chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage, and active rehab to get to the root of your pain, not just mask the symptoms.
We’ll assess your posture, movement, and muscle imbalances, and design a treatment plan that helps you move better and feel better.
Takeaway
Pain on the right side of your neck can be caused by something as simple as posture — or something that needs more attention. Don’t ignore it if it’s persistent, spreading, or affecting your sleep or daily activities.
Want to get to the root of your neck pain? Book an appointment with our Coquitlam team today — we’re here to help you move freely again.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322572
https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-right-side-of-neck
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21179-neck-pain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581