Neck and shoulder pain often builds up gradually during busy study periods. Hours at a laptop, looking down at your phone and stress can make the muscles in your neck and shoulders tense and painful. Headaches often come with it.
Common causes
- Long hours at a laptop, often with the screen too low.
- Stress and tension during exams or deadlines.
- Little variation in posture and little physical activity.
- Overhead sports such as swimming, volleyball or climbing, which can also cause shoulder pain.
What you can do yourself
- Raise your laptop screen to eye level and use a separate keyboard if you can.
- Take short breaks every 30 to 45 minutes to move your neck and shoulders.
- Stay physically active; exercise helps against both pain and stress.
- Notice whether your shoulders are raised or tense while studying, and relax them.
How we can help
We first check with you whether our student learning clinic suits your complaint, or whether a regular physiotherapist is a better fit. If our clinic is right for you, a student assesses your complaint under supervision. Within a maximum of three appointments you receive:
- Assessment of your neck, shoulders and posture at your study place.
- Exercises for mobility and strength of the neck and shoulders.
- Advice on your workplace, breaks and dealing with stress.
Need longer treatment? We help you find a regular physiotherapist.
When to see a doctor first
Contact a GP if neck pain follows an accident or fall, if you have a severe headache that is different from usual, fever with a stiff neck, or numbness or weakness in your arms.
Read more in our frequently asked questions, or see other injuries and conditions we treat.
Stiff neck or sore shoulders? Book an appointment for €5.
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