Pain in the neck and shoulders - cause and treatment
The massage area is quite large. This is because a number of muscles work together in the movements. Even if the pain is felt on one side, the whole party must mass. Compare the right and left side to find the stiffest muscles with your fingertips.
Pain in the neck and shoulders is a common problem that can be caused by stress, poor posture or muscle tension. Whether your pain is acute or long-term, there are effective ways to relieve it.
Here we review the most common causes and the best treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Causes of neck and shoulder pain
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to why pain in the neck and shoulders occurs. Often, however, one or more factors can be identified. Common causes can be muscle tension and overload, often a result of prolonged sitting such as when working at a computer or poor ergonomics and forward leaning posture. Unilateral movements, heavy lifting, or exercise without adequate recovery can also contribute to pain in these areas. Stress and mental tension are other common causes, as stress and worry can lead to increased muscle tension in the neck and shoulders and many people unknowingly tense their shoulders during stressful periods.
Neck stiffness, something many of us have unfortunately experienced, involves acute stiffness and pain and can occur after rapid movements or after sitting for a long time. Tension headaches, which are often due to tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, can also cause headaches and dizziness. Finally, neck problems such as herniated discs or osteoarthritis can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the arms, while nerve effects such as pinched nerves can cause tingling and pain in the shoulders and arms.
This way you get rid of pain in your neck and shoulders
The best thing you can do is prevent neck and shoulder pain by not sitting in the same position for too long and strengthening the muscles around the neck and shoulders. But by the time you're reading this, you're probably already in pain, so let's move on to action.
Massage and stretching can relieve the acute pain and by using liniment at the same time you can increase blood circulation which can reduce stiffness and pain. Here you can use a tennis ball or massage ball and roll towards the sore area. For temporary, a warm shower/bath or a heating pad can help.
Frequently asked questions about neck and shoulder pain
Why does the neck hurt?
Pain in the neck can be caused by tense muscles, poor posture, overload or injuries. Common causes:
- prolonged sitting still (e.g. at the computer) or unilateral movements
- A forward-leaning neck causes increased strain on muscles and joints
- stress leads to tense muscles in the neck and shoulders
- neck stiffness, often caused by a sudden movement, cold or poor sleeping position
- nerve damage (e.g. herniated disc) can cause numbness, tingling and radiating pain in the arms.
Can stress cause neck pain?
Yes! Stress is a common cause of tight neck and shoulder muscles. When we are stressed, we often raise our shoulders unconsciously and tense the muscles.
How long does a neck brace last?
Neck stiffness usually lasts 3–7 days, but can last up to 2 weeks if the muscles are very irritated.