Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 19, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Tenderness in Facial, Neck, and Shoulder Muscles

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often associated with tenderness in the facial, neck, and shoulder muscles due to muscle contraction and tension.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tender points, which can include the facial, neck, and shoulder areas.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Disorders of the TMJ can cause pain and tenderness in the facial muscles, and may also radiate to the neck and shoulder areas.
  • Cervicogenic Headache: Headaches that originate from the cervical spine can cause pain and tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles, which may also refer pain to the facial area.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Giant Cell Arteritis: An inflammatory condition that can cause severe headaches, jaw claudication, and tenderness in the facial and neck muscles. It's crucial to diagnose early to prevent complications like vision loss.
  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can cause severe headache, neck stiffness, and facial pain. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the space surrounding the brain can cause a sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache" ever experienced), neck stiffness, and potentially facial pain.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica: An inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the neck, shoulder, and hip areas, but can also affect the facial muscles.
  • Dermatomyositis: A condition characterized by muscle weakness and skin rash, which can also cause tenderness in various muscle groups, including those in the face, neck, and shoulders.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing intense pain in the face, which can sometimes be accompanied by tenderness in the facial muscles.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.