Neck and Shoulder Pain

Neck and Shoulder Pain

By Darren Macfarlane, Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Specialist

Common Causes

·  Poor Posture

·  Stress

·  Chronic Overuse Condition

Poor posture, stress and force of habit we tend to lift our shoulders up, hold yourself in this position for long periods of time over the day and this leads to shoulder and neck tension.

 As a result, blood flow through the area is limited with a result of a build up of lactic acid. This causes the muscles to stiffen, become tight and sore. To limit tenderness we lift the shoulders even more, which in turn increases muscle tension and further limits blood flow to area and the circle continues. Common areas to find large amounts of tension and knots is the upper trapezius (top of shoulders).

Poor posture when driving, sitting at desk or working on a computer for long periods can have the complete opposite effect on some muscles which become weak. The shoulder blades are moved further away from each other with poor posture .This results in the muscles becoming slightly stretched and lengthened. As a result the muscle fibers become glued together to gain strength to prevent themselves from being over stretched and torn.

Standing with are arms held in front of the body for long periods of time causes the pectorals muscles to become tight and short.

When muscles become tight and some weak in the upper body it leads to a condition called upper crossed syndrome. This syndrome produces lifted and forward shoulders, winging of scapula, and forward head posture. This posture produces stress on the cervical region (neck) and the shoulders due to the altered motion of the glenohumeral joint due to the incorrect positioning of the shoulder girdle.

Stress causes hormone adrenalin to be produced, this is known as the fight or flight syndrome. This causes us to hold or bodies ridged and crunch up, and in turn (like poor posture) prevents blood flow to or muscles causing muscle tension in the upper neck and shoulder muscles.

Tips to prevent neck & shoulder Tension

·  Feet flat on floor or use foot rest

·  Arms parallel to the floor & level with keyboard

·  Always sit with spine in alignment don’t lean to one side. Lumber support can help with this.

·  As soon as your mind goes onto your work the muscles are like springs and will pull you back to a poor posture position. So regularly remind yourself to straighten up.

·  Regular massage can help you relax & prevent stress.

·  Visit a sports injury specialist for Injury Treatment, who will work on any tight muscles and break down any knots and provide a corrective rehabilitation programme to strengthen any weak muscles & stretch out any tight muscles.

Don’t Suffer with Neck and Shoulder Pain!  Have it treated .Give me a call at the Galway Clinic for an Appointment on 086 1957378

www.sportsinjurytherapy.ie