Why Does Stress Lead to Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Hormones likeadrenalineand cortisol is released, causing a cascade of physical symptoms.
The neck and shoulders are one of the most common areas where muscles tighten due to stress.
Maskot / Getty Images
People with stress that goes to their neck and shoulders are prone to tension headachesandmigraines.
Thankfully, there are many effective ways to address stress in life.
Lets look at a few.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise of any kind is known to reduce stress.
As an added bonus, manyyoga posesallow you to stretch your neck and shoulder muscles to release tension.
Research backs up the power of meditation on stress relief.
Therapy
Therapy can help you deal with serious mental health conditions and help you work through traumas.
But it can also help you better manage the common life stresses that all of us experience.
you’ve got the option to also consider using hot or cold packs to provide relief.
Gentle neck stretching can also be helpful.
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.
American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body.
Shah N, Hameed S.Muscle Contraction Tension Headache.
International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Journal of Family and Community Medicine.
2020;27(1):2328. doi:10.4103/jfcm.JFCM_132_19
Hofmann SG, Gomez AF.Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression.
Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
2017;40(4):739-749. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.008
Harvard Health Publishing.When to seek immediate medical attention for neck pain.