Hello Ann,
It may be a “Lavetor Scapulae” issue which is very common in those populations that tend to sit for a living. Because of the neural connections this muscle has, it plays a role in implications in term of head aches (in the same areas as you’ve described-base of skull, sides, etc.). Lavetor Scapulae is a very common site for tightness, tenderness and discomfort in addition to those trapezius muscles (which in many cases cab be overactive).
neck-and-shoulder-pain.jpg
Take a look at the position of both your neck and head. The side that gets the worst of these symptoms, is it shifted more off to the same side rather then both sides being symmetrical? If you would to do a simple neck stretch, how stiff does your neck musculature feel?
If you’re swimming, and your technique is correct. Then when you’re in the water you’re probably reinforcing some of your postural flaws that you may already have that are contributing to this whole issue. Swimming with your head and chin slightly up, will cause you to stress all those posterior back and neck muscles.
Yep, ART is a form of massage, it stands for Active Release Therapy.
Do you have any other symptoms? Shoulder pain?
Some exercise for your Upper back? Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll see if I can send you some pictures
rkedik@gmail.com
Ruslan