For me, any kind of repetitive movement can cause severe pain up and down my shoulders and back. You may have tendinitis too, which basically means your tendons are very strained and tired. Try breaking your chores into 5 or 10 minute increments and resting for 1/2 in between. That way you aren't doing too much and putting too much strain on your arms. Housework is slower, but...if it helps to not do so much in one day, it's worth it.

I do about 4 dishes and have to take a break for at least 30 mins before I can do anything. Eating is a chore. I have to take a break from feeding myself because a bowl of cereal is too painful.

Used to get it when I drove to work..about a 45 minute drive. My hands also went numb and I would take turns shaking them till the awoke.

I meant to say, a half an hour in between...my foggy brain forgets to add words sometimes.

Pinched nerve or bulging disc in your neck, perhaps?