Tight shoulders are something that many people recognize – and for most, the cause is a combination of stress and sedentary work. But why does the body react specifically in the shoulders, and what actually happens to the muscle tissue over time?
The shoulders as a stress receiver
When we experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and the body goes into a state of alert. One of the first physical reactions is that the shoulders are pulled up and forward – an unconscious protective response. Read more about how stress settles in the body and what it does to the muscles.
Office work exacerbates the problem
Sedentary office work contributes to shoulder problems in several ways:
- Static load – holding your arms forward towards the keyboard and mouse activates the shoulder muscles continuously without pause.
- Lack of variety – the body repeats the same small movements hour after hour.
- Poor ergonomics – arms without support, a screen at the wrong height and a chair without good back support increase the strain.
- Mental pressure – deadlines and demands keep the nervous system activated and maintain muscle tension.
Trapezius – the muscle that takes the brunt
The large trapezius muscle is particularly vulnerable and very sensitive to both physical and mental stress. Trigger points in the trapezius are among the most common causes of neck pain, tension headaches and radiating pain down the arm. Read about pain between the shoulder blades – a common additional problem.
The vicious circle
Stress causes tension in the shoulders – and tension causes pain – and pain causes more stress. Conscious relaxation, breaks and regular massage therapy are among the most effective measures to break the pattern.
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