Shoulder and Neck Pain: Why it starts and why it lingers

Do you notice constant tightness in your shoulders or neck? Does it feel worse by the end of the day, or turn into headaches that seem to come out of nowhere? Many women assume it’s just stress or posture, but if it feels like it never fully goes away, there’s usually more happening beneath the surface.

If you go to your General Practitioner, you may be told you have muscle strain, tension headaches, or even migraines. But how do you know what’s really causing it, especially if you feel like you didn’t “do anything” to injure yourself? Let’s explore the musculoskeletal possibilities.

More times than not, shoulder and neck pain is not caused by one muscle. It’s usually a combination of shortened muscles, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. I’m often asked, “Which muscle is it?” And the answer is almost always: it’s never just one.

What the Body Is Telling Us

How your body positions itself in a relaxed state tells a story. When you lie on my treatment table, I look at how your shoulders rest, how your head naturally turns, and whether one side feels more guarded than the other.

You can notice some of these things at home. Look in the mirror. Is one shoulder lower than the other? Does your head subtly tilt to one side? Do you find yourself clenching your jaw or lifting your shoulders without realizing it?

These are signs of imbalance and shortened muscles. Shortened muscles develop from repetitive movement, prolonged sitting, stress, or when opposing muscle groups are stronger or weaker. Think of it like a pulley system. If one side is pulling harder, something else has to compensate.

How Massage Helps Shoulder and Neck Pain

When working with shoulder and neck pain, I assess the entire area rather than focusing on one spot. I usually begin with the upper back, addressing tension and trigger points in the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. These muscles commonly hold stress and can refer pain into the neck and shoulders.

The levator scapulae, which attaches from the shoulder blade up into the neck, is another frequent source of pain. When shortened, it can create stiffness with head rotation and contribute to headaches.

We also cannot forget about the deeper muscles along the cervical spine. These muscles are often overlooked, but they play a major role in head positioning, posture, and chronic tension. When they remain tight, pain tends to return quickly.

Jaw tension is another key piece. The muscles of the jaw and neck are closely connected. Tightness here can radiate into the temples, ears, and base of the skull, often contributing to headaches.

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Sometimes, muscular tension is closely tied to joint restriction. If the cervical spine or upper thoracic spine is not moving properly, muscles will tighten to protect the area. This is where chiropractic care pairs extremely well with massage therapy.

Massage helps relax the muscles and improve circulation, while chiropractic care helps restore proper joint movement and alignment. Together, they create longer-lasting relief and better overall function.

What You Can Do Between Sessions

Movement is essential. It doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming. Gentle shoulder rolls, neck movements, and posture awareness throughout the day can make a big difference.

Stretching is important, but timing matters. Always warm the muscles first with movement, a hot shower, moist heat, or a heating pad. Stretch slowly, hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and include deep, slow breathing to help the nervous system relax.

Pay attention to jaw tension, shoulder elevation, and breath holding. These patterns often happen without awareness and contribute to ongoing discomfort.

Ready to Start Addressing Your Shoulder and Neck Pain?

If shoulder tension, neck pain, or headaches are affecting your daily life, it may be time to look deeper than just surface symptoms.

Send me a DM, text, or click the Book Online button on my website to schedule your next appointment.