The cause of shoulder and back pain

Shoulder and Back Pain? Trigger Points May Play a Role

In my practice, I see many men with pain in their shoulders, neck, or lower back. Sometimes these symptoms are temporary, but quite often they keep coming back. One thing I frequently encounter is trigger points: small, tense areas within a muscle that can be sensitive and may refer pain to other parts of the body. This means that the place where you feel pain is not always where the actual problem originates. A painful shoulder, for example, may be related to tension in the neck or upper back, while lower back problems can partly develop because the body is compensating in other areas.

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are localized, tense areas within a muscle. They can develop when muscles are under prolonged strain, receive too little variation in movement, or are repeatedly exposed to tension. Examples include spending hours working at a computer, driving for long periods, doing physically demanding work, or exercising intensively.

When I treat a trigger point, you will often notice that the area feels tender when pressure is applied. Sometimes you feel the pain exactly in that spot, but the tension can also radiate to another area. A trigger point around the shoulder, for example, can cause a pulling or aching sensation toward the neck, arm, or upper back. That is why, during a treatment, I do not only focus on the area where you feel pain, but also on the surrounding muscles.

Prolonged sitting and tense shoulders

Many of the shoulder problems I encounter are related to prolonged sitting. When working at a computer, the shoulders can easily roll forward and the head often sits slightly in front of the body. As a result, the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back have to work continuously. Over time, this can lead to tension, fatigue, and stiffness. You may experience a dull ache around the shoulders, develop a stiff neck, or notice that the tension travels toward your arm or head. What starts as mild tension can gradually develop into a problem that keeps returning more frequently.

From shoulder problems to an overloaded lower back

I look at the body as a whole. When certain muscles remain tense for a long time or do not function optimally, the body starts compensating in other areas. If your upper back and shoulders, for example, have limited movement or are constantly under tension, other muscles may have to work harder. This can also place additional strain on your lower back. You may notice this as stiffness when getting up, a dull ache in your lower back, or fatigue when standing or sitting for long periods. That is why I do not automatically treat only the area where you feel pain. I prefer to look at the bigger picture and identify possible patterns that may be contributing to the problem.

Prolonged poor sitting posture as a hidden cause

Our bodies are designed to move, yet many men spend a large part of the day sitting. When you remain in the same position for long periods, move very little, and repeatedly allow your shoulders to fall forward, certain muscles are continuously placed under strain while others are used less. Over time, this can create a pattern of tension, stiffness, and compensation. That is why, in addition to massage, I also recommend changing your posture regularly and staying sufficiently active. Massage can help tense muscles relax, but your daily posture and movement also play an important role.

Trigger point massage at Body Care voor Mannen

At Body Care voor Mannen, I use trigger point massage to specifically treat tense and sensitive muscle areas. Using targeted pressure, I look for areas where a lot of tension is present and work to help these muscles relax.

My goal is not simply to treat the painful area. I also look at the surrounding muscles and at the way your body moves and compensates. If you come to me with shoulder problems, for example, I may also assess and treat your neck, upper back, or other muscle groups involved. In this way, I aim not only to provide temporary relief, but above all to create greater relaxation and freedom of movement.

Look beyond the area where it hurts

Do you regularly experience pain in your shoulders, neck, or lower back? Then I recommend looking beyond the area where you feel the pain. Especially if you spend a lot of time sitting, work at a computer, or notice that the same problems keep returning, prolonged muscle tension may play a role. With targeted trigger point massage, I can treat tense muscles and help create greater relaxation and freedom of movement.

Would you like to experience what trigger point massage could do for you?

Book a treatment at Body Care voor Mannen. I would be happy to help you move more freely and with less tension.

Love,

Marc