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What Causes Muscle Spasm And Tension In Neck And Shoulder?
Question: Hi. I've got quite bad neck and shoulder tension (carry heavy bags, forward head posture often ) I've noticed lately that the area at the base of my skull (muscle?) is tender if I press/massage it. It also can make me feel a bit 'woozy' I do like it radiates to my ear etc. My dr seems unconcerned and has sent me for physio or RMT. I have a bit of health anxiety I think as I'm worried it's something worse?
Brief Answer:
I agree with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Based on the info you provide I would also tend to agree with your doctor. The description of your symptoms is compatible with neck muscle spasm and tension, possibly with degenerative changes of your spine. The fact that your line of work leads to a lot of strain on your spine makes you even more problem to this type of issue. It is common for the pain and tension to irradiate in the head, nothing surprising about that. Fortunately you mention no symptoms which might indicate nerve root or spinal cord compression, neither a brain lesion.
So I agree with your doctor's suggestion. You should also consider switching to some lighter work because even if you temporarily get better now, the prolonged strain on your spine will accelerate degenerative arthritic changes in the long term future.
I hope to have been of help.
I agree with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Based on the info you provide I would also tend to agree with your doctor. The description of your symptoms is compatible with neck muscle spasm and tension, possibly with degenerative changes of your spine. The fact that your line of work leads to a lot of strain on your spine makes you even more problem to this type of issue. It is common for the pain and tension to irradiate in the head, nothing surprising about that. Fortunately you mention no symptoms which might indicate nerve root or spinal cord compression, neither a brain lesion.
So I agree with your doctor's suggestion. You should also consider switching to some lighter work because even if you temporarily get better now, the prolonged strain on your spine will accelerate degenerative arthritic changes in the long term future.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. What symptoms woukd indicate soounal cord cimpression etc? Can certain head movements (looking up, forward head) cause a woozy off balance almost type feeling too?I also fund that i ckench my teeth a lot
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Spinal cord compression would be suspected in case of weakness of the limbs, difficulty walking as well as some signs on physical exam.
Nerve root compression by a herniated disc usually manifests with intense neck pain radiating also in the upper limb on that side.
Teeth clenching is not related to those other symptoms I believe, it is probably in the setting of anxiety.
As for the dizziness it can be related to cervical spine issues leading to compression of blood vessels supplying with blood the posterior part of your brain. Could also be due to cervical spine degeneration and muscle spasms leading to compression of upper cervical nerves which are involved in maintaining balance. Whichever is the case the origin and recommendations remain the same though, physical therapy and reducing load on the spine.
Wishing you good health.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Spinal cord compression would be suspected in case of weakness of the limbs, difficulty walking as well as some signs on physical exam.
Nerve root compression by a herniated disc usually manifests with intense neck pain radiating also in the upper limb on that side.
Teeth clenching is not related to those other symptoms I believe, it is probably in the setting of anxiety.
As for the dizziness it can be related to cervical spine issues leading to compression of blood vessels supplying with blood the posterior part of your brain. Could also be due to cervical spine degeneration and muscle spasms leading to compression of upper cervical nerves which are involved in maintaining balance. Whichever is the case the origin and recommendations remain the same though, physical therapy and reducing load on the spine.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Tjank you for your speedy response .
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you will feel better soon.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I hope you will feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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