The office monster of our era is this very story of chronic shoulder pain. Modern medicine explains the philosophy of Donguibogam's pain from obstruction through complex physiological mechanisms of our body. Remaining in a fixed posture for long periods, particularly computer work or smartphone use, places continuous stress on the muscles around the shoulders and neck. What happens when this stress accumulates?
First, we cannot overlook myofascial pain syndrome. The trapezius muscle, levator scapulae, and rhomboid muscle that support the neck and shoulders contract excessively in fixed postures, forming myofascial trigger points within muscle fibers. These trigger points cause severe pain when touched, and sometimes trigger radiating pain that spreads to other areas. For example, a myofascial trigger point in a shoulder muscle can send pain to the arm or head, causing headaches or arm numbness. Such muscle tension impedes blood circulation and reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, creating a vicious cycle that accumulates algogens.
Second, there are issues of postural stress and nerve compression. A slouched posture disrupts the normal C-curve of the neck to cause forward head posture, which can exert pressure on nerve roots around the cervical vertebrae. The cervical nerves lead to the shoulder and arm, and if compression persists, it can accompany symptoms such as arm numbness and finger paresthesia along with shoulder pain as seen in cervical radiculopathy. Additionally, thoracic outlet syndrome, in which the space between the clavicle and the first rib, known as the thoracic outlet, narrows and compresses the nerves and blood vessels traveling to the arm, can also cause shoulder and arm pain and numbness.
Third, an autonomic nervous system imbalance cannot be overlooked. Stress and chronic fatigue cause hyperactivation of sympathetic nerves, keeping the body in a constant state of tension. This further worsens tension in muscles around the shoulder and neck, and constricts blood vessels to hinder blood circulation. This autonomic nervous system imbalance can increase sensitivity to pain, causing one to feel more intense pain from even minor stimuli.
Fourth, the inflammatory response is also an important factor. Continuous microtrauma and tension in muscles induce localized inflammatory reactions. This inflammation secretes algogens to worsen pain, and promotes adhesions of surrounding tissues, resulting in restricted movement. Chronic inflammation can also cause fibrosis, making muscles and ligaments even stiffer.
In this way, modern medicine breaks down the principle from Donguibogam that where there is blockage, there is pain into complex physiological and anatomical issues such as muscle tension, nerve compression, inflammation, and blood circulation disorders. Rather than simply taking analgesics, it is important to understand these multifaceted causes and find a fundamental resolution through lifestyle improvements. Shoulder pain is a signal sent by our body, so please never take it lightly and listen to it closely.
