Neck & Shoulder Pain

There are many possible reasons why you may be experiencing neck tension. Common causes include:

• Poor posture. The average adult’s head weighs 10 to 11 pounds. When this weight isn’t properly supported by good posture, the neck muscles are forced to work harder than they should, which can cause strain.
  
  

• Repetitive motion. People who work in occupations that require them to perform repetitive movements often strain the muscles in their neck.
  
  
• The computer. Many people spend their entire day behind a computer. Hunching over the computer isn’t a natural position for the body. This form of poor posture is a particularly common cause of strained neck muscles.
  
  
• The phone. Whether you’re holding it between your ear and shoulder at work, or are hunched over it playing games and checking social media at home, the phone is a common cause of poor neck posture. Check out these tips to avoid text neck.
  
  
• Teeth grinding and TMJ. When you grind or clench your teeth, it puts pressure on the muscles in your neck and jaw. This pressure can strain the muscles in your neck, causing ongoing pain. There are exercises you can do to promote more relaxed jaw muscles.
  
  
• Exercise and sports. Whether you’re lifting weights in a way that engages the neck muscles, or whipping your head around during a sports game, physical activity is a common cause of minor neck injury and strain.
  
  
• Poor sleep position. Many people do not use pillows properly so their neck is not supported correctly whilst sleeping. This can cause pain and stiffness in the mornings. When you sleep, your head and neck should be aligned with the rest of your body. Sleeping with large pillows that elevate your neck too much can cause tension to build up while you sleep.
  
  
• Heavy bags. Carrying heavy bags, especially those with straps going over your shoulder, can throw your body out of balance. This can put strain on one side of your neck, which allows tension to build.
  
  
• Stress. Psychological stress has a powerful impact on the whole body. When you’re stressed, you may inadvertently tense up and strain the muscles in your neck. Neck tension stress affects many people.
  
  
• Trauma. When you’re injured, such as in a car accident or fall, you may experience whiplash. Whiplash can happen anytime the neck snaps back forcefully, straining the muscles.
  
  
• Tension headaches. Tension headaches are mild to moderate dull headaches that typically affect the forehead. While neck tension can cause tension headaches, tension headaches can also cause neck pain and tenderness.