What is a common source of neck and shoulder pain in the cervical spine?

The C5/C6 facet joints are often a common source of neck and shoulder pain due to their anatomical location and the role they play in cervical spine movement. The C5/C6 level is the most frequently affected segment in cases of cervical degenerative disc disease, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and referred symptoms into the shoulders. This segment is critical for mobility and bears significant load during head and neck movements.

Furthermore, the C5/C6 region is where the cervical nerve roots exit, and irritation or compression of these nerves can result in pain that radiates to the shoulder, upper back, and sometimes down the arm, adding to the commonality of pain arising from this area. The facet joints themselves can also become arthritic and contribute to pain through mechanical dysfunction. Given these factors, C5/C6 is particularly well-known in clinical practice for being associated with neck and shoulder discomfort.