Have you heard about the Disuse Syndrome? It is, basically, a term used to describe the effects that a sedentary lifestyle has on a person’s mind and body. This syndrome was first identified in 1984 and since then, it has received widespread attention in regards to back pain, shoulder pain, and other chronic pain disorders. Prolonged physical inactivity, in addition to a harmful lifestyle, is the cause of the Disuse Syndrome. If your shoulder and neck pain or stiffness start to become persistent, you can be certain that it is most probably because of your daily habits.

Let us go through some lifestyle practices that may be causing or worsening your pain.

• Bad Sitting PosturesThis is a problem that afflicts millions of people working in office jobs. Sitting for 8-9 hours a day with the head drifting forward can cause your neck muscles to weaken or tighten. This, in turn, exerts pressure on your spinal cord and causes you to experience chronic shoulder and neck pain. One of the best ways to avoid this is to sit with the head in a neutral position, i.e., your ears should be directly above your shoulders.
• Lack of Physical ExerciseDaily exercise doesn’t just help you keep fit but also maintain the health of your neck and shoulders. Due to a lifestyle that is marked by a lack of free time, people often ignore the benefits of working out daily, even if it is for a few minutes. When the neck and shoulders are not worked, the muscles start to stiffen, which can sometimes lead to pain and reduced neck function. Daily exercise routines focusing on stretching your neck can be helpful to manage the pain and prevent it from occurring in the future.
• Unhealthy Sleeping HabitsMany people have a habit of sleeping on their stomach, which stresses the cervical spine. This is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Try to sleep on your back or side if you want some respite from the stiffness and pain. If you sleep on your side, use thick pillows to maintain a neutral spine, whereas using a thin one if you mostly sleep on your back.

Making a few lifestyle changes can contribute to a considerable improvement in your condition. However, for efficient relief, you can also seek alternative forms of treatment like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We, at New York PAPA Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, provide a range of services for effective shoulder and neck pain management. You can go through our website for more information.