Shoulder Pain Because shoulders are intimately related to the neck, always working together, these must always be examined together. As basic as they may seem, the first questions to ask a patient with shoulder pain are: 1) What makes it better? 2) What makes it worse? 3) What is the histsory of the pain or injury? 4) When did it start? Treating the neck can often relieve shoulder pain. How can neck or shoulder pain be prevented or avoided? The practice of sound ergonomics and good posture are fundamental to a healthy neck and shoulder region of the body. A McKenzie certified physical therapist can prescribe corrective and preventative regimens for the neck and shoulders.