Tight Neck, Sore Upper Back? Here’s Why December Might Be to Blame

The holidays are supposed to bring cheer — but for many people, December also brings on neck tension, upper back stiffness, and that all-too-familiar “hunched over” feeling.

Between cold weather, more screen time, extra driving and travel, and the general stress of the season, your posture (and your nervous system) take a hit. That tension doesn’t just go away on its own — and if left unchecked, it can easily turn into daily discomfort or nagging headaches.

At Off The Block Performance Physical Therapy in Central, we help people stay pain-free and mobile, even during the most hectic time of the year.

Why the Holidays = More Neck and Back Tension

It’s not your imagination — pain flares up more in the winter. Here’s why:

- Colder temps cause muscles to tighten up

- Longer time indoors = more sitting and screen time

- Stress and travel = more clenching, slouching, and tension

- Busy schedules often push movement and workouts to the back burner

Even just hunching over your laptop or wrapping presents for an hour can start to cause pain between the shoulder blades or in the base of your neck.

Client Story: How We Helped Melissa from Six Mile Feel Human Again

Melissa, a 36-year-old high school teacher from Six Mile, came to our Central clinic in early December last year with tension headaches, neck tightness, and upper back pain that had been getting worse since Thanksgiving.

She had tried massage and stretching, but the relief never lasted more than a day or two.

In her evaluation, we found:

- Significant stiffness in her upper thoracic spine

- Poor postural endurance during sitting and standing

- Overactivity in her upper traps and levator muscles

- Weak deep neck flexors and mid-back stabilizers

We got to work with:

✅ Manual therapy to restore motion in the upper back and ribs
✅ Targeted strength work for her postural muscles
✅ Breathing drills and stress management tips
✅ A quick, 10-minute daily movement routine she could do at school

By Christmas break, Melissa wasn’t just feeling better — she had fewer headaches, better posture, and more energy to enjoy time with her family.

Our Approach to Nagging Neck and Upper Back Issues

You don’t need to accept stiffness as your new normal. We help you:

✅ Restore mobility in the spine and shoulders
✅ Rebuild the strength that supports upright posture
✅ Identify movement habits and triggers
✅ Create a simple, sustainable plan that fits your schedule

Whether you’re working at a desk, teaching, driving, or shopping — you deserve to feel good in your body.

Don’t wait until the new year. Start moving better now.

We help people in Central, Six Mile, Clemson, Anderson, and nearby communities feel strong, mobile, and pain-free all winter long.

📞 Call or text (864) 633-9272 to book your visit. No referral needed.