According to NHS Choices, shoulder disorders affect around three in 10 adults at any one time. Among older people, frozen shoulder is common and restricts the normal movement of the joint. The rotator cuff (a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint) can also be affected.

Shoulder instability (where the shoulder has an usually large range of movement) or injury to the joint at the top of the shoulder can also occur. This is more common in younger people and those who play sports or activities involving repeated shoulder movements. A painful, stiff neck can be caused by sleeping in an awkward position, using a computer keyboard for long periods of time or simply sitting in a draft.

Anxiety and stress can also cause tension in the neck muscles. Most cases of neck and shoulder pain are minor and resolve with time. However, anyone suffering severe or persistent pain, or whose symptoms came on suddenly or relate to an accident or fall, should be referred to the pharmacist.