One of the most common issues I hear about as a Body Stress Release practitioner is tension in the shoulders and neck. So why has this become such a widespread problem?
With so many people working in offices, one of the biggest culprits is 'computer hunch', the tension that builds up from too many long hours working on your PC (or Mac!). Sitting with our necks pulled forward, often with our shoulders up is not a natural position. Add in the mental stress that often accompanies our working day, deadlines, work overload etc, and you have a problem.
With so many people working in offices, one of the biggest culprits is 'computer hunch', the tension that builds up from too many long hours working on your PC (or Mac!). Sitting with our necks pulled forward, often with our shoulders up is not a natural position. Add in the mental stress that often accompanies our working day, deadlines, work overload etc, and you have a problem.
It's not just physical stresses that cause these problems, shoulder tension is frequently linked to emotional stress. The trapezius group of muscles, that covers the neck, shoulders & mid back is often the part of the body that carries the most tension. We've all heard of 'carrying the weight of your world on your shoulders', and there is a certain amount of truth in this. Often increased emotional stresses lead to shoulder tension. Our muscles are designed to tighten up during times of stress (part of our natural 'fight or flight' response), but often do not relax properly when the event causing stress has gone, leaving a residue of tension and tightness in the muscles.
Tension Headaches
Often, what starts as tight shoulders, lead to stiff necks, tightness in the back, and frequently, tension headaches. Many people experience this, feeling like a tightening around the head, or a sensation of pressure on the skull.
So, what can help? If you're working at a desk all day, be aware of your posture, try and sit up straight and position your screen to stop your neck pulling forward. Try and take breaks during your day, loosen the shoulders, stretch some some muscles, and try not to get locked in the same position too long. If you're getting the train or bus home, don't get in the same position you've been in all day by looking at your phone!
If you're tension is locked in, try Body Stress Release if you have a local practitioner, or try and find a similar complimentary health technique.
If you're tension is locked in, try Body Stress Release if you have a local practitioner, or try and find a similar complimentary health technique.
RSS Feed
