TIGHT SHOULDERS. IS THIS YOU??

“My shoulders and neck are carrying the weight of the world”. This is not something unusual today. Many people feel they are carrying the stress of the world, and the stiffness and tightness in their shoulders is the reason.  You might be wondering that, even if, you have not done anything strenuous, then why do my shoulder muscles feel sore and tight? Why do I always feel that my shoulders are carrying weight? There are many factors that contribute to the stiffness and tightness of shoulder muscles. Posture, working at a desk all day, working out, carrying kids… the list goes on & on.

Often your behaviour creates the pain?

Reasons For Stiffness?

Here are a few main contributors to this constant neck and shoulder stiffness.

-         Stress

Stress and shoulder/neck go hand in hand, but this can be a vicious circle. One of the major causes of shoulder stiffness can be stress. Stress can aggravate an underlying shoulder problem, which then increases stress levels. Again, it’s not only the stress that leads to shoulder/neck issues but the way our body behaves against stress, and how our body changes are what plays a major role.

-         Prolonged Posture

Shoulder stiffness is not always the result of sitting in a bad posture. It can also be the reason for not moving for extended periods of time. If you feel sitting in one good position will not cause trouble, then sorry; it is not something to be proud of. Conceptually, we need to keep our bodies constantly moving like water.

Staying stuck in the same position also forces muscles connected to your neck and shoulders to overwork to maintain an upright position, especially if you are seated all the time. People who work in the office need to be extra careful and ensure they stand up and walk around.

 In a nutshell, a combination of not putting demands on your body along with an overuse of only a few muscles keeps your position constant can result in shoulder/neck stiffness.

-         Movement Habits

Movement habits can include many things such as how you lift, carry, walk, and especially drive. All these will have a great impact on your body. If you spend a long time behind the wheel of the vehicle. It’s worth checking that your seat is adjusted correctly, that the height is suitable for your height, and that you don't lean your back while you drive.

Keeping the right posture in every activity that you do is imperative.

-         Exercise

Exercise keeps your body fit and healthy, but only if you perform it safely & correctly. Make sure you move your body correctly and follow the right method of exercise, for you, to avoid any kind of shoulder/neck pain. Exercise done well can help bulletproof your shoulders. Done badly it can exacerbate the problem.

Wind Up!

These are common factors that cause shoulder/neck tightness and tiredness all the time. The pain is not usually earth-shattering but it can be very irritating. The good news is with little care , you can get rid of this. Ie a nice massage once in a while won’t do you any harm!