Why Are My Shoulders Always Tense And Raised? 11 Reasons

The most common cause of raised shoulders is neurological tension. It can occur as a result of stress or other disturbances. Remember that raised and tense shoulders are common muscle clamps. Shoulder tension and tightness can be frustrating and painful experiences. Often they can cause discomfort and limit your range of motion. If you’re struggling with shoulder tension, you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue. They wonder why they do not have relaxed shoulders.

There are many potential reasons why your shoulders may be tense, including:

• poor posture;
• injury;
• overuse;
• stress;
• anxiety. 

Identifying the cause of shoulder strain is the key to finding effective solutions. It will also help prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.

You can use some practical ways to reduce the discomfort. Many methods can help reduce shoulder strain and improve your well-being:

• from simple lifestyle changes;
• to targeted exercise and diet.

This Ayurveda beginner’s guide will examine the various factors contributing to shoulder strain.

Why Are My Shoulders So Tight?

As a rule, you may feel tense shoulders due to anxiety. Other main causes of muscle spasms are:

• osteochondrosis. Its manifestations in the form of protrusions and herniated intervertebral discs are important;
• traumas and spinal bruises. Muscle tension and the development of trigger syndrome responses to pain;
• static muscle tension of a long-term nature. It can occur when a person is in the wrong position, sitting at a desk or working at a computer. Also, people can experience it when carrying a bag on one shoulder. So one shoulder becomes higher than the other;
• emotional stress can be tense shoulders cause etc.

What is the meaning of tense shoulders? Our nervous system handles the work of the muscles. It sends signals to the right parts of the brain and spinal cord. And through a complex pathway, chemical energy is usually converted into mechanical energy. A clamped muscle is a shortened, very tight, stiff muscle in a local area.

Muscle tightness, perceived as hypertonicity, often causes:

• discomfort;
• a feeling of tension and tightness in the muscles;
• painful sensations.

If you recognize such symptoms, you should read about the causes of clamping in the shoulder area. After all, this will help to get rid of the problem effectively.

1. Poor Posture

Poor posture often means tense shoulders. Because it can cause an imbalance in the shoulder muscles. When you hunch forward or slouch, it strains your upper back and neck muscles. It can cause them to become tense and tight. To ease it, maintain good posture by sitting straight and relaxing your shoulders.

2. Stress And Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can cause your muscles to tense up, including tense shoulders. When stressed, your body releases hormones that trigger the “fight or flight” response. So it causes your muscles to contract. This can lead to chronic tension and pain in your shoulders. Supplements that can help your nervous system work excellently. Try relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety, such as:

• deep breathing;
• meditation;
• yoga.

3. Overuse

Overuse your shoulder muscles can cause them to become strained and tight. This can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome, characterized by:

• inflammation;
• pain in the shoulder joint. 

Avoid overusing your muscles to get relaxed shoulders. You should take frequent breaks when making repetitive motions to prevent this.

4. Injury

A shoulder injury can cause your shoulder muscles to become tight and tense.  It can be a rotator cuff tear or shoulder dislocation. It is your body’s way of protecting the injured area and preventing further damage. Moreover, you can have anxiety in addition to tense shoulders after injury. To reduce tension caused by injury, rest the affected shoulder. Also, you should follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.

5. Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for long periods, whether at a desk, in a car, or on a couch, can be a reason for always tense and raised shoulders. It is because prolonged sitting can lead to bad posture. It strains the muscles in your upper back and neck. Take frequent breaks to prevent tension caused by sitting for long periods. You need to stretch and move around..

6. Low Immunity

Low immunity is a condition in which the immune system is weak. Thus, it is not able to fight infections and illnesses effectively. When the immune system is poor, inflammation can occur in the body. That means that tense shoulders depend on it. Low immunity can cause other symptoms, including:

• fatigue;
• frequent infections;
• slow wound healing.

 If you suspect you have low immunity. But also, remember that you can help your organism by taking special supplements. Lots of doctors recommend selecting them in a liquid form. As they can faster penetrate organizm and have a stronger effect.

7. Dehydration

It occurs because dehydration leads to a lack of electrolytes. These are important for muscle function. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids, such as:

• sports drinks;
• coconut water.

It will help prevent dehydration and relieve tension.

8. Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause your shoulder muscles to become tense and tight. Your shoulders are always tense and raised because the weight of your body can compress the shoulder joint. It causes the muscles to contract. To ease the tension caused by the sleeping position, try:

• sleeping on your back;
• using a supportive pillow.

9. Calcium Levels

Another cause of blocks is low calcium levels in the body. When calcium concentration decreases, the amount of intracellular fluid decreases. It surrounds muscles and nerves. As a result, the nerve endings are overly irritated. It leads to spasms.

10. Medical Conditions

Anxiety is not only a condition that can lead to tense shoulders. Certain medical conditions can cause muscle tension and tightness in the shoulders. For example, it could be:

• fibromyalgia;
• сhronic fatigue syndrome;
• lupus.

It is because these conditions can cause widespread inflammation and pain. To get relaxed shoulders, your doctor may recommend:

• medications;
• physical therapy;
• other treatments.

11. Large Amounts Of Carbohydrates

If a person follows a low-carbohydrate diet, it can affect the state of the muscular system. Thus, it is important to remember that this diet can lead to muscle cramping. So, we give preference to foods rich in fiber.

What Is The Harm Of Always Tense And Raised Shoulders?

The first answer lies on the surface. If the muscle is spasmed, it squeezes:

• blood vessels;
• nerve fibers. 

As a result, nutrition and energy exchange in:

• the tissues of the muscle;
• those internal organs fed and innervated by the squeezed vessels and nerves. 

For example, the vagus nerve in the neck area is compressed. Impulses do not pass to the pancreas. It causes impaired organ innervation with corresponding enzymatic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

The second negative result. A spasmed muscle is a contracted muscle. Keeping it in a state of tension requires ATP – certain energy expenditures. In other words, the body uses energy to maintain the muscle in tension. And the tension created is unprofitable and bad for the body. The areas where muscle tension is created can be quite extensive. Tension is constantly maintained. The body’s energy expenditure for irrational and harmful work can be huge.

How Can I Have Relaxed Shoulders?

The best way to prevent recurrent cramps and relax muscles is to keep the body strong, flexible, and adequately trained. It has the top location in our Ayurveda beginner’s guide. Before beginning vigorous exercise, remember to stretch and do muscle-strengthening exercises. Avid athletes should definitely consult a trainer who can correct the movement patterns necessary for the sport.

Choose swimming, among other kinds of sports, to get relaxed shoulders. It’s great for this kind of problem. Also, do relaxing exercises with:

1. myofascial release rolls;
2. spiked balls;
3. smooth rolls;
4. tennis balls;
5. ribbons, etc.

We also recommend following a diet and controlling the number of carbohydrates. You can also add special liquid supplements. They will help improve your overall condition.

Bottom Line

Whatever the cause of always tense and raised shoulders, don’t neglect prevention and  take care of your health as early as possible. Take any tension or pain as a signal that your body needs help and that no one else can do it. We recommend using our products, as it has a great influence on your health and mind.

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