Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32376/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Does the Location or Type of Katakori (Shoulder Stiffness) Vary Depending on the Underlying Condition?
While “shoulder stiffness” is often referred to generally, in practice, the location and sensation of stiffness can vary greatly from person to person.
In many cases, people experiencing katakori also report additional symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, or vomiting.
Those suffering from katakori often describe the affected area as follows:
- A. Stiffness in the occipital region (back of the head)
- B. Stiffness in the right shoulder
- C. Stiffness in the left shoulder
- D. Stiffness in the back of the neck
- E. Stiffness between the shoulder blades
Based on over 40 years of clinical experience, the following internal organ associations have been observed:
- A: Often related to severe muscle fatigue. If pain is strong, it may be diagnosed as greater occipital neuralgia.
- B: May indicate liver-related fatigue
- C: May indicate stomach-related fatigue
- D: Often associated with kidney fatigue
- E: Can reflect fatigue in the lungs or heart
When to Suspect a Joint or Nerve Issue
If shoulder stiffness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, joint dysfunction or nerve compression should be considered:
- F. Numbness throughout the entire arm
- G. Pain when rotating the arm
- H. Discomfort when rotating the arm
- I. Numbness in the thumb and index finger (1st & 2nd digits)
- J. Numbness in the middle finger (3rd digit)
- K. Numbness in the ring and little fingers (4th & 5th digits)
- L. Numbness in the back of the upper arm
These symptoms may suggest the following conditions:
- F–H: Possible shoulder joint sprain
- I: Possible compression of the 6th cervical nerve root
- J: Possible compression of the 7th cervical nerve root
- K: Possible compression of the 8th cervical nerve root
- L: Possible injury to the acromioclavicular ligament
Don’t Ignore Persistent or Severe Shoulder Stiffness
In many cases, what is assumed to be “just shoulder stiffness” may turn out to be a more serious underlying condition or injury.
If you are experiencing discomfort that is persistent or unbearable, we strongly advise against self-medicating with alcohol, sweets, or painkillers as a temporary fix.
Instead, we recommend seeking medical evaluation at a healthcare facility to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.