Neck/trap aching sensation

[rob88]

Hi,

I'm having a bit of trouble with the left side of my neck. It's pretty much a constant aching sensation from my left trap to the left side of my neck.

Occasionally I will "click" it by kinda moving my left arm and trap. Kind of like a relief mechanasm that doesn't really relief the pain lol.

Any ideas of what this could be and how to stop it?

cheers

[Heidi]

Hi
A constant aching feeling in this area is probably due to muscle tightness. This can be released using sports massage and stretching techniques. However, the real question is what is causing the muscles to tighten up?
This may be due to many things, the most common is posture! If you have rounded shoulders, tight chest muscles and a forward head position then this is possible. This is most common in people who spend a lot of time at a desk or computer, driving or weight lifters!
Alternatively, given that your neck 'cracks' there could be a problem with the facet joints in your neck. This would need to be investigated by a chiropractor.
Check out these links for some more info:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/upperbackneck/neckpain.htm
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/upperbackneck/tightmuscles.htm
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/upperbackneck/postural_kyphosis.php

[mattw]

Stand without shoes on in front of a mirror and look at your shoulders. Notice how they are not symmetrical? That imbalance is causing the neck/trap pain and aching. Stretching muscles or gettign a massage is only addressing the symptom and not the cause. When you balance your posture the aching will go away for good. Check out the book Pain Free by Pete Egoscue.