Dealing with neck and shoulder pain isn’t easy. From strains due to overused muscles to ‘wear and tear’ to arthritis, various conditions can trigger pain in the neck and shoulders. Additionally, since the two are connected, aches can travel from the neck to the shoulders and vice versa. The pain can also travel to other areas of the body, such as your back and knees.

Understanding the cause of your neck and shoulder pain is just as crucial as finding pain relief solutions. This blog covers common causes of pain and how you can relieve discomfort.

1. POOR POSTURE

Those seated at their desks all day are prone to developing poor posture. For example, slouching in a chair causes your back to round and your head and shoulders to slump forward, putting stress on the cervical spine. To compensate, your neck and back muscles must work against the pull of gravity — for every inch the head is held forward, an additional 10 pounds of force is applied.

As such, the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders become susceptible to strains. One way to avoid this is to maintain an upright posture, with your upper arms parallel to your spine. Keep your forearms and hands on the table, and ensure your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. Depending on your height, this may require some adjusting to your workspace.

Also, refrain from sitting cross-legged on your chair or crossing your legs under the table. Such sitting positions can rotate and tilt your pelvis, ultimately affecting your lower back and spine alignment. Therefore, an improper posture will push your muscles to work harder to compensate for balance, causing back pain, which could lead to problems with your shoulders and neck.

Incorrect posture during manual labor can also cause neck and shoulder pain, especially when bending or carrying items. Maintaining proper posture can go a long way toward keeping pain at bay. For example, always remember to keep your back straight and your knees bent when lifting bulky items, to start.

Aside from poor posture at work, your sleeping position can also cause neck pain. Resting your head on a stack of pillows, for example, positions your neck at a sharp bend throughout the night. The resulting pain can also travel to one or both shoulders.

RELIEF FOR NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN CAUSED BY POOR POSTURE

For a quick remedy to your neck and shoulder pain, try a Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch. By targeting specific pain areas, these muscle pain patches provide long-lasting relief as you work through your daily tasks or sleep. Plus, these flexible hydrogel patches contour to your body and aren’t greasy, making it convenient to wear underneath any clothing.

2. INJURIES

Injuries from falls or sharp movements, such as those experienced during contact or rigorous sports, can damage your soft tissues, resulting in neck and shoulder pain. For instance, a sudden movement in your neck can tear your muscles, tendons, or ligaments, causing neck pains and strains. This type of injury is commonly known as whiplash. Similarly, a fall or even repeated arm and shoulder use can cause a tear in your rotator cuff – the tendons that connect your upper arm to your shoulder blade.

Hoisting heavy loads over your shoulders can strain your neck, so using transportation equipment, such as a hand truck, dolly, or cart, is a better option. In addition, wearing protective equipment at all times can help prevent unexpected falls that may cause neck and shoulder pain.

Injuries to the shoulder blade, including strains, separations, or dislocations, can also lead to pain that travels upward into the neck. This type of referred discomfort is common and may contribute to stiffness, tension, and reduced mobility in both the shoulder and neck areas.

RELIEF FOR INJURY-TRIGGERED NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN

In addition to our pain patches, those who experience pain and need quick relief from other strenuous activities can use products like Tiger Balm Neck and Shoulder Rub, designed to provide targeted, soothing relief to the neck and shoulder region to help ease everyday aches and muscle tightness. The unique sensation of Tiger Balm’s herbal blend, including menthol and camphor, actively helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

3. ARTHRITIS

The smooth cushion between our joints, responsible for frictionless motion, known as the cartilage, can wear down with age or be damaged by disease. When this occurs, the bones grind against each other, leading to restricted movement, pain, and swelling. Deterioration of connective tissue can also lead to joint inflammation, causing pain. This condition is known as arthritis.

There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the most common and occurs over time. The latter, however, is caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system that attacks the membrane enclosing the joint parts. This leads to inflammation and swelling, consequently destroying both the cartilage and bone.

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in the shoulders, leading to discomfort and difficulty with movement. Posttraumatic arthritis, a form of osteoarthritis, can also occur in the shoulders. It often develops after an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Untreated rotator cuff injuries can also progress to arthritis.

Arthritis in the neck is commonly referred to as cervical osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis. It manifests after the intervertebral discs degenerate, causing the bones to rub against one another and eventually irritating the lining of the joints.

RELIEF FOR NECK AND SHOULDER ARTHRITIS PAIN

Those experiencing neck and shoulder aches due to long-standing arthritis can relieve their pain with Tiger Balm’s variety of effective, fast-acting topical pain relief solutions. An application of Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment offers soothing comfort. It also reduces swelling by supporting blood flow to your neck and shoulder joints. If your pain levels require something stronger, the potent ingredients in Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment will deliver comforting warmth to your overworked joints.

More commonly preferred for arthritis pain, however, is Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub. This pain relief cream quickly eases discomforting pain in your shoulder and neck joints so that you can go about with your daily routine hassle-free, and is suitable for large surface areas.

With more than 100 years of heritage, Tiger Balm has earned a trusted reputation for delivering pain relief products with well‑established safety profiles and proven effectiveness. Used by millions of consumers in more than 100 countries, including the United States. Tiger Balm remains a go‑to choice for those seeking reliable, herbal‑based solutions for everyday muscle and joint discomfort.

SEE A DOCTOR IF NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN PERSIST

While topical applications like patches, creams, and ointments provide pain relief in the neck and shoulder, muscles, and joints, they do not cure the underlying issues. If the pain becomes unbearable, persists for more than seven days, or recurs after a few days of clearing up, visit your doctor as soon as possible to address the source of your aches. To purchase any of the Tiger Balm products mentioned in this article, shop online or find a store near you.