NECK & SHOULDER PAIN
The Hidden Causes of Upper Body Tension
Neck and shoulder pain can start as mild tension and slowly evolve into sharp discomfort, limited mobility, or numbness down the arms. It’s not just the result of bad posture. It’s often a sign that your body is compensating for deeper imbalances.
To improve how you feel, it’s essential to understand how your body is adapting, protecting, and asking for change.
Why Neck & Shoulder Pain Happens
These regions are deeply interconnected structurally, neurologically, and emotionally. When one system becomes overloaded, the others start compensating. Common contributors include:
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Forward head posture and screen-related strain
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Upper cervical misalignment or fixation
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Tension in the traps, SCMs, or jaw
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Breathing dysfunction shifting tension into the upper body
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Emotional stress stored as muscular tension
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Previous whiplash, concussions, or shoulder injuries
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Poor shoulder blade mechanics or core instability
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Many of these issues develop gradually and go unnoticed until pain or restricted movement makes it impossible to ignore.
Types of Neck & Shoulder Pain
Not all pain in this region comes from the same source. Dr. Marcin helps patients differentiate between:
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Postural overload
From hours at a desk or on a phone — often leads to tension headaches and neck stiffness.
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Cervicogenic pain
Referred pain from dysfunction in the neck joints, sometimes radiating into the shoulders or head.
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Myofascial tension
Trigger points and muscular knots that cause sharp, achy, or burning sensations.
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Radicular pain
Nerve root irritation causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
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Rotator cuff or scapular dysfunction
Poor shoulder blade movement and muscular imbalance affecting shoulder strength and stability.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Relieving pain is only part of the picture. Dr. Marcin’s approach is designed to restore mechanical integrity, neurological regulation, and movement freedom. Care may include:
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Chiropractic adjustments for cervical and thoracic spine
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Soft tissue work and functional release techniques
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Postural re-education and scapular stability work
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Breathing and core training to unload neck and shoulder tension
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Lifestyle and ergonomic coaching tailored to daily demands
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The goal is not just to “loosen muscles” but to teach the body how to carry itself with ease, strength, and balance.
Dr. Marcin’s Perspective
Tension is often the body’s way of stabilizing when something else isn’t working. That’s why treatment must go beyond the site of pain to uncover the why behind it. Dr. Marcin helps patients retrain their body’s default strategies so they can move and live without constant tightness or restriction.
Respond to the Signal.
Healing your neck or shoulder pain holistically starts with taking the first step.
Good Health Society
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Roots Health Clinic
Get hands-on support with care that addresses the root cause of your pain. Book a visit with Dr. Marcin to begin recovery and restore long-term function through expert chiropractic and nervous system-based care.
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FAQ's
What causes chronic neck and shoulder pain?
Chronic neck and shoulder pain is often caused by poor posture, stress-related muscle tension, joint restriction, or compensatory movement patterns. It may also result from previous injuries, tech overuse, or breathing dysfunction.
Can chiropractic adjustments help with neck and shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractic care can relieve tension, restore proper joint movement, and improve posture and muscle balance. It’s especially effective when combined with nervous system regulation and functional movement strategies.
Why does my neck hurt after sitting at a desk all day?
Desk work often leads to forward head posture and upper back rounding, which strain the muscles and joints in the neck and shoulders. This type of postural stress builds up over time and can lead to chronic pain or stiffness.
What’s the difference between muscle pain and nerve pain in the neck?
Muscle pain is usually dull, achy, and related to overuse or tension. Nerve pain often feels sharp, radiating, or tingling, and may travel into the shoulders, arms, or hands — often due to nerve compression in the cervical spine.
Can poor breathing habits cause neck and shoulder tension?
Yes. Shallow or chest-dominant breathing often activates the accessory muscles in the neck and shoulders, leading to chronic tension. Improving breathing mechanics is a key part of resolving upper body discomfort.