Why do I have a very sore / stiff neck and shoulder pain? I woke up this morning with right sided shoulder pain, and it is very incapacitating! The pain is worse when I turn my neck in the direction of the pain! There is only stiffness when I turn my head away from the sore side. Initially, I was a bit nauseated. I am a 72 year old female. Yesterday, I was in the Emergency Dept with chest pain, diagnosed as Artial Fib! I was given Procainamide and the med. worked and my heart is now, good! (No previous heart problems!) However, I have had neck problems for years after a car accident when I was 31 years old, and 8 & 3/4 months pregnant. My car was rear ended and my baby in utero was and is just fine! I have not taken any painkillers. Should I be heading back to the Emerg. Dept for a checkup?
Instead of heading to ER, better head for an or tho. It is clear case of cervical disc syn Chat Doctor.  IVD space reduced, reason may be trauma, degeneration etc., emanating nerves compressed and pain radiates to shoulder. Some traction may be given for few days. Cervical collar for support may be given. Few physiotherapy exercises after pain subsides. Some painkiller 1 SOS may be necessary sometimes. After you recover from acute phase, learn Yoga postures, for few minutes practice a day and live comfortably after. Hope it helps you.