Stiff Neck and Poor Posture

Poor postural habits – rounded upper back with head thrust forward – produces a state of constant muscular tension, usually associated with pain, headache and limited range of motion. This uncomfortable position is a constant source of pain and, if not corrected, can lead to permanent shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the muscles in the back of the neck (i.e., splenius, semispinalis and cervical erector spinae).  In other words, poor posture can lead to anatomical changes which, in turn, contribute to continued poor posture.

The sternocleidomastoid and deep scalene muscles of the neck are of major importance in rotating the head to the left and right.  Tightness and shortening of these muscles can severely restrict our ability to turn our heads.  The muscles in the back of the neck (i.e., splenius, semispinalis and cervical erector spinae) play the important role of extending the neck and stabilizing the head as it turns.  These muscles are under constant tension as they try to maintain the upright position of the head in spite of the spinal imbalance caused by faulty posture.

When chronic neck pain and restricted range of motion is the result of tight, shortened neck muscles, the best, conservative treatment should include repeated, brief periods of mild stretching combined with the application of moderate heat and massage.

In my next blog post, I’ll suggest a few simple exercises you can do each day that will relax and lengthen your neck muscles .  If you do the exercises regularly, you can increase the range of motion of your head and neck.  Stay tuned.