Why do my neck and shoulders often feel stiff?
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Why do my neck and shoulders often feel stiff?
Do your shoulders feel heavy every time you finish working at the computer, and does your neck feel stiff when you turn your head? Neck and shoulder pain often starts as a pulling or knotted feeling in the muscles and may be accompanied by restricted movement or headaches.
Postures held for a long time and repeated tension may be the cause
Sitting in the same posture for long periods or looking down at your smartphone can strain the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Repetitive work, an uncomfortable sleeping position, and muscle tension from stress are also factors that can cause or worsen stiffness.
What conditions can recurring pain be related to?
Myofascial pain syndrome: pressing certain spots in a muscle hurts, and the pain may spread to surrounding areas or the stiffness may persist.
Cervical disc herniation and degenerative changes in the cervical spine: when nerves around the neck are irritated, pain may radiate to the shoulder and arm, or the hand may feel numb.
Rotator cuff disorders and frozen shoulder: if it is difficult to raise your arm or reach behind your back, problems with the shoulder joint and tendons should also be checked.
Because it is difficult to tell conditions apart from symptoms alone, we determine the cause by looking at where the pain is, how you move, and your strength and sensation together.
Start treatment and lifestyle care together
When sitting for a long time, change your posture from time to time and adjust the height of your monitor so you don't bend your head too far forward. Stretching is best done gently, within a range that does not make the pain worse.
At Cheong-dam Oriental Clinic Gwanghwamun, we decide whether acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping, Chuna therapy, or other treatments are appropriate based on the examination, and also advise on everyday posture and exercises. If further tests are needed, we refer you for the relevant evaluation.
If stiffness keeps coming back even after rest, or if it interferes with work or sleep, please visit us to have your current condition checked.
