I think I get what you mean - maybe

So subconsciously nursing a previously injured led therefore not distributing weight correctly and over straining the muscles which are compensating for it.

Would the tendency to flinch/brace in anticipation to taking a punch on your guard also qualify if it's done with incorrect technique - perhaps causing neck stiffness or something?

I guess you can not correct something like that unless you are totally aware that it is a problem and you focus on it continuously since it's one of those bad habits which is already automatic (unfortunately I have a few of those!).

Does that sound right?