Neck-shoulder pain and weakness: An uncommon presentation

Neck and shoulder pain is a very common complaint in Western society that most often does not include motor compromise. Although peripheral nerve injuries are not as common, they should not be misdiagnosed. This case report describes the subjective assessment and physical examination of a patient with neck-shoulder pain and disabilities following a cervicofacial lift surgery. The patient was referred to physiotherapy treatment for what was diagnosed as a multi-level cervical disorder. Physical examination by the physiotherapist revealed diagnostic signs of accessory and suprascapular nerve injury as the cause of the shoulder impairment. Physiotherapy treatment included electrical motor stimulation and a comprehensive strengthening program, which resulted in full recovery.The purpose of this case study is to differentiate this presentation from commonly seen neck and shoulder pain by exploring the diagnostic factors for accessory and suprascapular nerve injury, based on the available evidence. The presented case report aims to raise the awareness of clinicians about the potential risk of peripheral nerve injury following cervicofacial lift, a common and elective surgical procedure.