Tight neck muscles

Although the neck and upper back is the weakest link in the body, many athletes fail to strengthen the muscles that support the neck and upper back. Not forgetting the support that our heads need. Vital connections pass from head to body through this area so to avoid injury or neck pain from sitting at a desk, gardening or household tasks, it is worth exercising for prevention of neck problems.

SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN

Pain in the neck, in the middle or at the sides, or just below the neck in the upper back

CAUSE OF NECK PAIN

If you work out or have a busy sporting schedule, overuse could be the cause of your pain. Overuse can be responsible for minute tears in the muscles which in turn tighten to protect themselves from becoming damaged.

As the muscles tighten up not enough blood is able to enter into them and so the muscles are deprived of the nutrients they need to function fully. The muscles will then become weak and tighten up even more and guess what? More pain!

TREATMENT FOR TIGHT MUSCLES OF THE NECK AND UPPER BACK

Massage regularly to relax the muscles.

Gentle exercise of the neck, upper back and shoulders.

PREVENTION OF NECK PAIN

• Always be aware of correct posture when sitting or standing.
• Do not 'wedge' your phone between head and shoulder as this twists the neck sideways producing facet and disc problems as well as pain in the neck.
• Always stretch and warm up before sport or activity.
• Stretch the muscles again thoroughly after sport or activity.
• When you are relaxing make sure your neck is not tilted to one side for long periods.
• When you have the opportunity, at home for example, move you neck from left to right and up and down.