Differential Diagnosis for Sprain of Right Trapezius Neck

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Trapezius strain: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of a sprain in the right trapezius neck, as the trapezius muscle is prone to strain due to its large size and role in movements of the neck and shoulder.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Cervical facet joint sprain: The cervical facet joints can be injured in a similar manner to the trapezius muscle, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.
  • Rhomboid strain: The rhomboid muscles, which are located in the upper back and help to stabilize the scapula, can also be strained, leading to pain in the neck and shoulder region.
  • Levator scapulae strain: The levator scapulae muscle, which helps to elevate the scapula, can be strained, causing pain on the right side of the neck.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Cervical spine fracture: Although less likely, a fracture of the cervical spine could present with similar symptoms and is a potentially life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
  • Herniated cervical disc: A herniated disc in the cervical spine could cause pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the arms.
  • Spinal cord injury: Any injury to the spinal cord could result in serious and potentially permanent neurological deficits, making it crucial to consider this diagnosis.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome: This condition, which involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet, could cause pain and numbness in the neck and shoulder region, although it is less common.
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica: This inflammatory condition causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the neck and shoulder region, but is relatively rare and typically affects older adults.
  • Referred pain from cardiac or pulmonary source: In some cases, pain referred from the heart or lungs can be felt in the neck and shoulder region, although this would be an unusual presentation for these conditions.