You haven't lifted weights. You haven't been doing physical work.
You've just been sitting at your desk.
So why do your shoulders feel so sore?
Shoulder discomfort after sitting at a desk all day is incredibly common, particularly when long periods of sitting are combined with computer or phone use.
What's Happening to Your Shoulders?
Think about your position while you're working.
Without noticing, you might gradually:
- Lean towards your screen
- Round your shoulders
- Hold your arms forward
- Tense your shoulders
- Spend hours without changing position
Your muscles are still working even though you aren't moving very much.
By the end of the day, they can feel exhausted.
1. You're Staying in One Position for Too Long
Your body likes movement.
Even a seemingly comfortable position can become uncomfortable when you maintain it for hours.
Regularly changing position can be more useful than searching for one supposedly "perfect" posture and staying there all day.
2. Check Your Workstation
Small adjustments may help.
Look at:
- Screen height
- Chair position
- Keyboard and mouse placement
- Whether your arms are supported
- How far you're reaching towards your screen
3. Stress Can Show Up in Your Shoulders
Ever notice your shoulders creeping towards your ears when you're stressed?
Many of us unconsciously tense our shoulders when we're concentrating or under pressure.
Add eight hours of work and that tension can become very noticeable.
Try a Mini Movement Break
Every so often:
- Stand up
- Roll your shoulders
- Walk around
- Gently stretch
- Change your position
It doesn't need to be a workout.
You're simply giving your muscles a break from doing the same thing continuously.
Can TENS Help Shoulder Discomfort?
TENS may be used as a supportive pain-management option for muscular discomfort.
Depending on your device instructions, electrodes may be positioned around the affected muscular area while avoiding inappropriate placement areas such as the front or sides of the neck.
A portable TENS device can be particularly convenient after a long day at the computer.
Which Comfee Device?
For larger areas or flexible pad placement, Comfee Power3 is a useful option.
For people wanting something smaller and highly portable, the Comfee Power Square may suit everyday pain support.
When Should Shoulder Pain Be Checked?
Persistent, severe or unexplained shoulder pain — particularly pain following an injury or accompanied by weakness, numbness, chest symptoms or significant loss of movement — should be medically assessed.
Gentle Takeaway
You don't need to perform heavy physical work for your muscles to become tired.
Hours spent sitting, concentrating and staring at screens can take their toll too.
Move regularly, check your workstation and give those hardworking shoulders some attention. You can see our full range of TENS machines here if you are interested in feeling more comfortable when you can't always get out and move.