Chronic muscle tension

[AnnaMill]

Hi everyone, my first post though I’ve been reading for a few weeks now. So much I can relate to on here.

I’m really struggling at the moment. I have so much tension and muscle stiffness in my upper back, shoulders and neck. It never eases up except slightly overnight when I sleep. I feel like it affects my walking and my balance feels off so much so that I wont go too far on my own now outside. I feel like I’m giving somebody a piggy back and they’re pushing my head down. I swear I walk like a robot! I mostly look downwards when I’m walking and I’m tensing up more for fear of falling. Things look weird too, too bright or the floor looks too far away. I sit for long stretches at home, too long I know but sitting is the only time I feel properly stable..

I’ve been feeling tense and a bit agitated for months leading up to this. I’m familiar with anxiety, depression and agitation. I’ve managed them myself for years since a massive breakdown in 1996 but this doesn’t feel exactly the same. I actually feel quite calm, just very worried. I need to get back to work. I saw a GP face to face a couple of weeks ago after much haggling for an appointment. She did the usual balance tests in the surgery and checked my ears and couldn’t find any obvious cause for the unsteadiness.

I’m just wondering if anyone can relate to this awful tension? It’s a new thing fir me so I’d be grateful for any input ... x

[Agora1]

Hi AnnaMill, I can relate, you are not alone x

I'm glad you did see your doctor. It seems to fit all the symptoms of

being in the "fight of flight stance" Your body never gets to recover

because it fears the distorted symptoms you feel.

Upper neck back and shoulders are affected each day which then becomes

more like a habit in how we stand and sit and walk. Yes, the world seems too

bright, the ground/floor seems unstable, not due to a medical condition but

an emotional one.

Working to undue this muscle tension doesn't come over night. However there

are some remedies that can help. Of course, one may jump on the band wagon

in muscle relaxant meds but that doesn't solve the underlying cause.

As for myself, talk therapy helped in addressing the fears, Physical therapy as well as

Occupational therapy proved to teach me ways not to put additional strain on the

already tight muscles. Physical therapy worked out the trigger points in the muscles,

connective tissue and ligaments which helps release the body fluids and allows them

to work properly. This alone can help but it's short term unless we continue to work

on ourselves each day.

Meditation and Breathing came into play for me 3 x a day (which I still practice) I am

very cognizant in how I sit and carry myself when I walk. I pull my shoulders down away

from my ears and breath. If muscle tension is bad,, I reach for a hot towel freshly out

of the dryer and wrap it around my neck and shoulders. I sit in a quiet place and relax.

This allow for the muscles to regenerate even for moments at a time.

It was a long process in getting them to relax but it can be done.

I'm glad you are with us AnnaMill. Stay Positive, Stay Strong and most of all never

give up. This will go away. xx

[AnnaMill in reply to Agora1]

Thank you Agora1. It really helps hearing from somebody who has been in a similar situation. I used to work in the freezer section of a food store and I would come home to a warm towelling dressing gown taken straight from the tumble dryer. I can relate to your hot towel! I have taken on board everything you’ve said. I’ll stay positive and take each day as it comes. Thank you again x

[marsbarr in reply to Agora1]

Just like that. Your words are very healing. You make one feel like they can get through anything. You are powerful.

[Agora1 in reply to marsbarr]

Hi marsbarr x Healing is not just about words but actions. I too have to remind myself each day to bring down my shoulders. For some reason, my shoulders just like to touch

the tip of my ears lol Like we are preparing for an unseen battle. The key is using your

breathing to reposition into a calmer state of being.

The breath holds so much power when speaking, driving, watching tv or reading a book.

It can regenerate the body and mind within moments.

It is a learned daily practice. The results even for a short time is pure peace and calm.

Always nice to see you on the forum marsbarr. I had an aunt who worked for Mars Candy Co, who would occasionally bring me a box of Mars Bars. You bring back those

special memories.

I hope you are doing well. Stay Positive, your goal is always within reach. xx

[Jimmyluke55]

All my body aches love even my feet and hands xx

[Agora1 in reply to Jimmyluke55]

Wherever there is a muscle Jimmyluke xx

[marsbarr]

I'm like you. Shoulders up to my ears. Toes balled up. I try to become aware of this and relax. But guess what. You know it. I release and go right back . Keep trying. We will get it.