Sore Neck and Shoulders? Follow These Expert Tips

"The specific causes vary from person to person. Generally speaking, shoulder and neck tension develops from a perfect storm of postural imbalance and energetic or emotional 'holding,'" says Caroline Cardino, a yoga instructor, massage therapist and acupuncturist.

Rachel Hardy, certified massage therapist, myofascial release therapist and somatic wellness coach, also points to things like long work hours without breaks (or stretching), overall stress levels, lack of adequate hydration and nutrition, shallow breathing, anxiety, previous injuries and repetitive motions without adequate breaks and self care.

So what's a person to do?

Image via seb_ra/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty