Shoulder and neck tensions

Shoulder-neck tension is one of the most common causes of headaches in children and infants. Due to changes in movement and play behaviour (e.g. through computer games), children’s posture also changes and incorrect posture can occur early on, especially in the thoracic and cervical spine. As a result, the muscles in the shoulder and neck area are unphysiologically strained and tense.

Nerves located in this area also supply the scalp and can be irritated. This can lead to typical tension headaches, even in young children. These usually start from the neck and move relatively diffusely forward to the forehead.

Stretching exercises or loosening of the shoulder and neck muscles improve the pain, and heat and massage applications can also be helpful. In the long term, posture training and exercises for straightening the spine (see exercises) will help. In the articles listed here you will find more information on this topic:

Physiotherapy for nerve root compression
Pinched nerve in the cervical spine – effects
Back school
Physiotherapy for children with shoulder and neck tension

Summary

Headaches and migraine attacks in children are becoming more and more common even in infancy as an independent clinical picture. Tension in the shoulder-neck area occurs more frequently due to a change in children’s playing behaviour. Psychological stress can also have an influence on the tension of the muscles or the posture of the child.

Strengthening and posture training physiotherapy can be helpful for headaches in small children. Especially with migraines, the child should also learn to apply relaxation techniques. The therapy can take place in individual or group therapy and should be suitable for children and playful.

Manual therapy can help with blockages of the vertebral joints. The therapist should be specialized in the treatment of children. The following topics may also be of interest to you:

Stress – Are you also affected by it?
Physiotherapy during a growth spurt
Physiotherapy for children with shoulder and neck tension

All articles in this series: