can pulled muscle cause this?
 

Sometimes when I scratch or massage the side of my right neck I seem to trigger a brisk reflex around my right shoulder area. What could this be?

Have you seen a neurologist? Of course, no one here can diagnose online; that's just a given as you also realize :). A thought, however is, you may have like a pinched nerve or nerve compession caused by, i.e., a bone spur or effect of Osteoarthritis (OA), or a disc.

A neurologist can do testing (EMG/NCV) to determine whether nerves or compression might be the culprit.

Then, too, a specialist, such as an ortho. doc can refer you for a MRI and find out if discs may be imposing.

Please, do see your PCP or primary care physician and let us know what you find out.

You, obviously, shouldn't be feeling as you are.

Please update here.