Overview
Shoulder pain and a winged shoulder blade can follow.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Drooping shoulder
Less common
- Trouble lifting arm
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder droop
Look up a symptom: Muscle weakness in arms or legs · Shoulder pain
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonShoulder weakness.
Causes
Nerve injury.
Who is more likely to get it
- Neck surgery
Possible complications
- Frozen shoulder: From weak shoulder muscles
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- EMG:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Physical therapy
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- Ask about this nerve before neck surgery
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- People after neck surgery: Higher risk.
Outlook
Therapy and sometimes surgery help.
Therapy helps; some need surgery.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Spinal accessory nerve injury
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.