Neck and Shoulder Tension from Sitting: Why It Leads to Headaches
It’s no surprise that so many people experience neck and shoulder pain these days.
Between long commutes, desk work, and endless screen time, our bodies are under constant postural stress. Over time, this tension doesn’t just stay in your neck — it can trigger headaches, stiffness, fatigue, and even jaw pain.
At North West Chiropractic in St Albans, we regularly see patients whose headaches and tight shoulders all stem from one simple cause: poor posture while sitting.
How Sitting Affects Your Neck and Shoulders
When you sit for long periods — especially at a computer — your head tends to drift forward, and your shoulders roll in.
For every 2.5 cm your head moves forward, your neck muscles must hold an extra 2–3 kg of weight.
That’s like holding a bowling ball all day!
This constant strain leads to:
Tight muscles through the upper traps and neck
Restricted joints in the upper spine
Poor circulation and fatigue
Nerve irritation that can trigger tension headaches
Over time, your body adapts to this poor posture, and pain becomes your new normal.
The Link Between Neck Tension and Headaches
Many headaches actually start in the neck.
When joints and muscles at the base of your skull become tight or irritated, they refer pain upward — a pattern known as cervicogenic headache.
Common signs include:
Headaches starting at the back of the skull or behind the eyes
Stiff neck and limited motion
Pain made worse by sitting, driving, or stress
Relief after stretching, massage, or movement
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and movement through the spine, shoulders, and neck.
At North West Chiropractic, we use gentle, targeted adjustments to:
Improve mobility in the neck and upper back
Release muscle tension
Reduce nerve irritation that contributes to headaches
We also incorporate soft tissue therapy, postural exercises, and ergonomic advice so you can maintain results between visits.
Simple Tips to Relieve Neck and Shoulder Tension at Work
Here are quick, chiropractor-approved strategies you can start today:
Adjust your screen height — top of monitor at eye level.
Take a 30-second stretch break every 30 minutes.
Keep shoulders relaxed and avoid rounding forward.
Use a lumbar support to maintain spine alignment.
Hydrate — dehydration can increase tension headaches.
Even small changes can reduce daily strain and improve your posture over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your neck pain or headaches have lasted more than a week, or you rely on painkillers to get through the day, it’s time to seek professional care.
A chiropractor can identify the true cause of your symptoms and help you recover safely and naturally.
Book an Appointment
Don’t let neck and shoulder tension hold you back.
Book online, text or call 0450 830 955 to see our team at North West Chiropractic, 306 Station Road, St Albans VIC 3021.