Devyn Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 I have an issue with neck tension and exercises. Mostly any exercise involving my abs (except when my head is down like in planks) or weight training where my arms go above my shoulders. I know that I need to relax my shoulders and I try to do this, but I still end up killing my neck. I have had trainers check my form and they seem to be satisfied, but I really hurt my neck long before the muscles I'm supposed to be working give in. I usually have to stop with crunches way before my abs get tired - and then my neck kills me for almost the rest of the day. No trainers seem to have any solutions to the problem...does anyone else have this issue? Is it a lack of strength somewhere in my body (my abs?) or is it something I'm just destined to put up with? Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
SuperToga Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 I have this trouble, too. I hate doing abs for this reason. The one that works the best for me is the apparatus that you brace your elbows on and dangle your feet. You then kick your feet up or raise your knees. For a challenge, you can add ankle weights. No clue what they're called. I call them Kryptonites because they're the opposite of what I call a superman. >.> Crunches seriously kill my neck though. I've also taken to cradling my head for exercise ball crunches. I'm very careful to put all of its weight in my hands, but not pull my neck. This gets easier as I strengthen my neck and back, though. I am not a doctor. Don't sue me if my very non-medical advice is flawed. Level 4 Human Ranger Str: 8 Dex: 2 Con: 4.5 Int: 9.5 Wis: 8.5 Cha: 2 Sta: 5 Link to comment
Elastigirl Posted February 27, 2013 Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 Yeah, I have the same problem. My solution is to just not do crunches, since it is debatable on how much good they do anyway for abs. I am trying to strengthen and relax my neck though. Lifting my neck for hollow hold seems to be a better position than in crunches and I think is strengthening my neck. I'm also working on superman holds and hoping it helps. And doing foam rolling, Headstands may help too, I may try those again. Last time Itried them they hurt my neck and head.My husband played football in highschool and they did all sorts of things to strengthen neck muscles, I'm going to see if he remembers some of those excercises -I'll get back to you on that Wisdom 22.5 Dexterity 13 Charisma 15 Strength 21 Constitution-13 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind' Luke 10; 27 Link to comment
Devyn Posted February 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2013 It's not just crunches. It's a whole bunch of exercises. Today I was doing TRX and I couldn't do some of the workouts because of the tension in my neck. Pretty much anything with my arms above my elbow. Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
BarefootViking Posted February 28, 2013 Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 Ever go to a chiropractor? Failing everything else not working, possibly something is out of line and making muscles pull funny? Just a stab in the dark... [ Level 2 ] 1/2 Ogre Viking Adventurer <Current Challenge> Str 6 / Dex 3 / Sta 2 / Con 4.5 / Wis 6 / Int 5 / Cha 4 In My Backpack: Fire Flower Power Up, Link to comment
Devyn Posted February 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 Ever go to a chiropractor? Failing everything else not working, possibly something is out of line and making muscles pull funny? Just a stab in the dark... That's a good idea. I'll check that out. Thanks! Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
eshriner Posted February 28, 2013 Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 Is it like a cramp in your neck? I get these as well. I have had to stop because the pain get too intense. I have found that stretching and rolling my neck tends to help me. Eiric the Mighty FezHuman Adventurer/ClericLVL 1 | STR 2 | DEX 2 | STA 2 | CON 3 | WIS 4 | CHA 2Battle Log | Fitocracy | Challenge 1IF Calculator So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.†– 2 Corinthians 4:18 Link to comment
Devyn Posted February 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 Not really cramping, mostly an intense soreness and tightness. It's definitely too much tension. Cramps might happen as a result of continuing to push after I have strain. Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
milythael Posted March 14, 2013 Report Share Posted March 14, 2013 I have a similar trouble with my neck. I have found that I tense my neck while I'm thinking about intense effort in other places. For me, I have had some luck with paying particular attention to my neck muscles and focusing on relaxing them when they aren't directly involved in the exercise. I think my limited experience with Alexander Technique has improved my ability to detect and respond to pockets of unrelated tension during movement. Milythael Assassin Current Activity: Milythael Acts Like an Assassin Past Activity: Spoiler Challenges: Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 12 PVPs: Demon Slaying, HOoRAY, Meditation, Poses, Juggling 30/30 Squat Link to comment
Devyn Posted March 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2013 I've heard of that technique (Paul McCartney uses it). Do you have any info on it that I can read up on? Something that's helped you? Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
Terinatum Posted March 14, 2013 Report Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi,I was skimming and saw your post. I have neck issues as well. The best help I've had beside moist heat (dry heat doesn't sink in enough to last), are what they call Chin Tucks. Here's a video link. I do the stand up one vs. the laying down one.http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/neck-pain-prevention-chin-tuck-exercise-videoAlso, here are two pages on a site about the Alexander Technique. I won't vouch for him, but it could give you a place to start. http://markjosefsberg.com/back-pain-neck-pain/pain-in-the-neck and this one http://markjosefsberg.com/stress/alexander-technique-allow-your-neck-to-be-freeOf course, there are the usuals that I tend to do midway through a workout and after. Hope that helps, Cheers T The Way Better Now than Back Then Better Now than Later On Link to comment
Devyn Posted March 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 Thanks! What a wealth of information! Level 17 Half Kender Assassin XP 1700 Link to comment
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