Stiff neck with anxiety?

[Curtis33]

Does anyone else experience bad muscle tension in their neck and shoulders that causes headaches ?

I know anxiety can be a cause for muscle tension etc etc but what are some good ways to relieve the tension that people here have found effective for it

Cheeeeeers

[_Reba_]

I get really tense and I don't even know I'm doing it. It aches around my shoulders and down my arms.

What helps me is a warm bath or shower. The heat helps with the aches and also keeps me relaxed. If you notice yourself tensing I just lie down and relax my muscles.

Take care

[Vman69]

Yes I have that now and it's horrible I can't sleep got a massage yesterday and it seems worse

[Jenlouh in reply to Vman69]

I know just how you feel and I'm struggling with it. I'm going to speak to my GP on Monday.

[Jax78]

Use tiger balm musel rub,heating pad,hot shower,and lay on you back flat with a soft pillow and take Tylenol PM at bed time.. it might be anxiety or it could be musel spasms because neck spasms suck,it feels the same as anxiety its very easy to get the two confused.. i have chronic neck spasms and i get dizzy,pressure in the base of my head,numbness in my arm,fingers,and tingly finger tips

[Agora1]

Hi Curtis33, I live with bad muscle tension in my neck and shoulders. I have always carried my stress in that area. When anxious or scared, I tend to jut my head forward putting undue strain and tension on my neck. I hold my shoulders up without realizing it. I would get daily muscle contraction headaches which could be just as debilitating as a migraine. (have had both so I know the difference) For muscle tension, heat works best for me. I've used a microwavable heat pak around my shoulders and neck. Every chance I get when pulling towels out of the dryer, I wrap it around my shoulders to get relief. I've used Therma care wrap on the back of my neck. Just put it on back of neck and keep it on for 12 hours. Works wonders. For face, I use hot wash clothes and can actually feel and hear the crackling of the fluid buildup from stress. I take one regular Tylenol to reduce the pain enough to allow me to use relaxation and deep breathing. As I got more in control of my stress, I noticed the headaches disappeared even though the neck and shoulders are tight. Wish you well.