Tips to Ease Neck/Shoulder Pain & Stiffness

Neck & Shoulder pain is a very common complaint in the New Year, especially after all of the lazing around and relaxation we do at Christmas. In this blog, we will look and some common causes and tips on what you can do to manage symptoms. 

Neck and shoulder pain are common complaints that can have a variety of causes. While some people may experience neck and shoulder pain as a result of spending too long in certain postures, sleeping in certain positions or a sedentary lifestyle, others may experience it due to an underlying pathology or injury such as whiplash. In this blog, we will explore some of the common causes of neck and shoulder pain, as well as some tips for managing and preventing this type of pain.

One common cause of neck and shoulder pain is spending too long in a certain posture. If you spend long periods of time sitting at a desk or staring at a computer screen, slouched or sitting up straight, you may develop neck and shoulder pain. Slouching or hunching over a desk can make the muscles in your neck and shoulders fatigue, leading to pain and discomfort.

Stress and anxiety can cause your muscles to tense up, which can lead to pain and discomfort in your neck and shoulders. Additionally, sleeping in an awkward position or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can also contribute to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

In some cases, neck and shoulder pain may be caused by an underlying medical condition such as osteoarthritis or a herniated disc. If you are experiencing neck and shoulder pain that is severe or persistent, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.

There are several ways to manage and prevent neck and shoulder pain.

  • Take regular breaks from sitting

  • Try “movement snacks” e.g going for short walks during the day & gentle neck stretching

  • Try heat or cold - choose which works best for you. Heat & cold can help modify symptoms of pain

  • Sports Massage - regular massage can help with muscle tension cause by stress or intense exercise can be managed by regular sports massage

  • Physiotherapy - if you’ve developed persistent neck pain that is not resolving, not matter what you try, it is important to seek professional help

Want some more tips? Download our Neck & Shoulder Pain Ultimate Guide here.

If you’d like to enquire about Physiotherapy or Sports Massage, call 01563262123 and a member of our team would be happy to advise you on what you need.

Ryan BarrAristos Physiotherapy