A common complaint among office workers is neck and shoulder strain. Having a stiff neck headache can be a sign of repetitive strain injury caused by office work. The trapezius muscle extends from the base of the head, down the neck and across the shoulders into the upper back area. Repetitive office work stresses the trapezius muscle, causing stiff neck headaches and shoulder pain.
Diagnosis
Stiff neck headaches with shoulder pain are more commonly stress induced, caused by sleeping in an awkward position or some other minor muscle strain. It is important to consult with your doctor if you have chronic headaches associated with the neck and shoulders. Stiff neck headaches can be a sign of more serious problems such as meningitis, a brain tumor, disc degeneration or osteoarthritis. Working at a desk or on a computer also causes these headaches. Once you have determined the cause of the headache, you can choose a treatment that works best for you.
Medicine
Mild to moderate pain can be treated with medicine. Over-the-counter products such as aspirin, acetaminophen and NSAIDs are effective for temporary relief. If your pain is more severe, your doctor may prescribe something stronger to help relieve the pain. Some common prescription painkillers used for stiff neck pain include celecoxib, etodolac, flurbiprofen, nabumetone and naproxen.
Cervical Collar
One non-invasive option to reduce pain in the neck and shoulders is using a soft cervical collar. This reduces the stress on the neck, limits mobility and supports the spine. Wearing a cervical collar can decrease pain and irritation, allowing the neck and shoulder muscles to relax and heal.
Exercise
If your neck and shoulder headaches are caused by repetitive stress injuries from your work, several exercises that target the trapezius muscle can help strengthen the muscles. This can alleviate the headaches and help prevent new ones from occurring. A study headed by Lars L. Andersen published in the November, 2009, issue of "The Journal of Applied Physiology" found five exercises that reduced neck and shoulder pain in female office workers. The 10-week study found shoulder shrugs, one-arm rows, upright rows, reverse flyes and shoulder abduction exercises substantially reduced pain.
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