Muscle Strain or Sprain: This is often the most common cause of a lump with shooting pain in the neck, typically resulting from overuse, poor posture, or direct injury to the neck muscles.

Cervical Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can cause lumps and pain, often associated with infections such as a cold, flu, or mononucleosis.
Thyroid Nodule: A lump in the thyroid gland can cause neck pain and discomfort, especially if it becomes large enough to press on surrounding structures.
Brachial Plexus Injury: Injury to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that conduct signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder and arm, can cause shooting pain and a lump sensation in the neck.

Meningitis: Although less common, meningitis is a serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can present with neck pain and stiffness.
Cervical Spine Fracture: A fracture in the cervical spine can cause severe neck pain and is a medical emergency, especially if there is associated neurological deficit.
Carotid Artery Dissection: A tear in the carotid artery can cause neck pain and is a risk factor for stroke, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.

Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: A rare condition where lymph nodes in the neck become infected with tuberculosis, causing lumps and pain.
Neck Tumors: Although rare, tumors in the neck, whether benign or malignant, can cause lumps and shooting pain.
Eagle Syndrome: A rare condition where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes neck pain and discomfort.