Does stress cause neck pain? The short answer is no! At Carlson Procare, we like to say stress contributes to neck pain rather than causes it. The way healthcare professionals phrase things can sometimes lead to confusion and, even worse, ineffective treatment. Fortunately, our highly skilled therapists know how to dig deep to uncover the true source of your discomfort and help you find lasting relief through personalized care.
Meet Nicole: A Common Story
Let’s discuss Nicole, a forty-something working mother of three. Nicole was used to being very active, balancing her work schedule with getting her kids to the various activities and school functions.
Her neck pain first started one morning when she woke up with a crick in her neck. As the day progressed from driving her kids around to sitting at her desk, she noticed that turning her head became more difficult and painful, making it nearly impossible to focus on work.
Nicole struggled to figure out why her neck started hurting and came to the conclusion that stress “must be” the culprit. The more pain and stiffness she experienced, the more convinced she became that stress was to blame.
Understanding Nicole’s Neck Pain
One of the most common things we hear from our patients is that their pain started for “no apparent reason.” Like Nicole, people often wake up with a crick in their neck or notice stiffness when turning their head while driving. It is also common for people to notice tightness in their upper back and neck after a long day.
So, what’s actually causing the pain? In most cases, the issue stems from the neck joints or muscles being held in prolonged positions. Our neck joints don’t like remaining in any position for extended periods. In Nicole’s case, she first noticed her pain in the morning, which may have been related to her neck position while sleeping. It’s also important to note that in Nicole’s case, her first signs of discomfort appeared in the morning when she woke up, unrelated to stress.
As Nicole’s day progressed, her pain got worse. However, this was more likely related to how she held her neck while driving or working at her computer. In both cases, her posture, specifically how she held her neck, seems to have contributed to her pain. Prolonged sitting can lead to a forward head position, creating tension in the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and reducing healthy blood flow.
The muscles of our neck function best when we use them. Holding her head in one position for a long period, especially if she was slumping forward and looking down at a screen, likely led to irritation of the muscles and joints in her neck. This, in turn, led to pain and stiffness, affecting her ability to move, and causing her increased stress as a result.
Stress “contributes” to neck pain because, when we experience stress, our bodies naturally respond by tensing up as a protective measure. This tension can lead to discomfort, particularly in the neck and upper back region. Research shows that individuals with higher stress levels report more neck pain than those with lower levels of stress. This is why we say stress “contributes” to, but is not the cause of neck pain.
Exercise of the Month
Chin Tucks
(Neck)
The chin tuck exercise helps improve neck posture and reduce tension from prolonged sitting or screen time. This gentle movement helps restore proper alignment and ease stress on the muscles and joints of your neck. Start by sitting or standing up straight. Gently glide your head straight back, creating a “double chin” position, without tilting your head up or down. Hold for 5 seconds, then return to neutral. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions throughout your day, especially after periods of sitting or computer work.
Consult a Carlson Procare physical therapist to determine whether this exercise is right for you.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Alleviate Neck Pain
We’ll target the source of your pain through a thorough evaluation that begins with your medical history and details about how, when, and where your symptoms started. As we saw with Nicole, understanding how, when, and why the pain started helps us narrow down possibilities and find the true root cause.
Our therapists will also assess your posture and movement to identify any limitations or restrictions that may be contributing to your condition. We’ll use this information to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Our treatment plans focus on relieving pain, improving posture, mobility, and strength, and educating you on how to manage your symptoms. Your individualized program may include manual therapy (such as soft tissue work or joint mobilizations), targeted stretches, therapeutic exercises, activity modifications, and posture recommendations to minimize irritation during daily tasks and work activities, such as using your phone and computer. The therapists at Carlson Procare also utilize the Neubie machine, a cutting-edge direct current electrical stimulation device, to accelerate recovery and maximize the outcomes of your neck rehabilitation.
We’ll listen to your unique story and specific concerns, then work with you to find relief and return to your normal routine.
Healthy Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Golden Turmeric Latte
Combat inflammation that can contribute to neck tension and pain with this soothing, delicious beverage. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that may help reduce muscle tension and support overall joint health.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper (helps activate turmeric)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until hot and frothy (about 5 minutes). Don’t let it boil. Pour into mugs and enjoy warm. For extra creaminess, blend the mixture for 30 seconds before serving.
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you’re dealing with neck pain or looking for someone to help you figure out what is causing your issues, call us today and set up a consultation!
What Our Patients Say
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“The team at Carlson Procare truly cares about their patients. They took the time to understand my neck pain and created a personalized treatment plan that worked. I’ve learned so much about proper posture and self-care techniques. I’m now pain-free and feel empowered to manage my health going forward. Highly recommend!”
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955320301417?via%3Dihub, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36180150/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2270377/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28972599/
