Persistent Neck, Shoulder and Back Tension May Not Be Just Stress
Mrs Lee, 73, presented with a one-year history of:
She noticed that her symptoms often intensified during humid or damp weather, particularly in the evenings.
She had previously been assessed for anxiety and received treatment. While her emotional symptoms improved, she continued to feel physically tense and unable to relax.
Further assessment suggested that her symptoms were closely linked to cervical spine degeneration and reduced circulation, rather than being purely stress-related.
In individuals with limited movement and prolonged static posture, it is common to observe:
In clinical practice, physical tension and emotional state often influence each other:
This creates a cycle where both physical and emotional symptoms are sustained over time.
From a TCM perspective, this pattern is often associated with:
prolonged stress leading to muscular tension
reduced nourishment to muscles, causing stiffness and discomfort
contributing to heaviness, fatigue, and chest discomfort
When symptoms are managed only from an emotional perspective, while underlying musculoskeletal and circulatory factors are not addressed, patients may experience:
Cervical spine changes and chronic muscle tension may influence blood flow to the head and contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Simple daily habits can support gradual improvement:
These small adjustments can help the body transition towards a more relaxed state.
Persistent tension is not always purely psychological.
When the body remains in a prolonged state of tightness, sleep, energy, and mood may all be affected.
Through appropriate assessment and gradual adjustment, both physical comfort and overall wellbeing can improve.
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