Neck pains after lifting

ClassicPearl

Hi there,

Last year, I was into lifting a lot, I loved it. Chalene Extreme, p90x, Les Mills Pump... and now whenever I lift a weight, the day after I get this really bad pain in my neck and it lasts for a few days.

I tried just keeping my neck straight when lifting (not looking to the left or right, just keeping it straight), but that didn't work.

I was able to lift a kettle bell the other day and had a little bit of pain, but not the way I do with dumbbells.

I really miss lifting dumbbells for strength, but I'm not sure how to avoid the pain. Help?

JoRocka

since we can't see what you are doing- sounds a lot like you should visit a doctor/chiropractor issue to rule out physical pain- then video yourself and or get a friend to help and check your form.

But if you are doing the same things and having pain- it sounds like there is a bigger issue at hand.

ClassicPearl

Funny thing is -- I've been to the chiropractor! He has cracked my neck several times and said I should fine when it comes to lifting... And my form is spot on. I see myself in the mirror doing it.

My neck was fine a year ago. Nothing like this happened.

GiddyupTim

I used to strain my neck when I did pull-ups sometimes, usually after I had taken some time off from doing them. It was quite annoying. The strain would last a couple of days.
I sit at a computer writing all day. It think it leads to much neck and shoulder tightness.
I started making sure I warmed up a little more before and backing off a bit. So, where before I was doing eight pull-ups a set (or trying anyways), I started doing fewer reps, but more sets. I would end up doing the same number of reps total, but I wasn't doing those last few reps in a set where you are struggling. I probably wasn't progressing the same way, but i was getting all the reps in and not getting the strain.
It seems it has kind of healed now, and I do not get it any more. I still pay more attention to warm up, though.

obsidianwings

Funny thing is -- I've been to the chiropractor! He has cracked my neck several times and said I should fine when it comes to lifting... And my form is spot on. I see myself in the mirror doing it.

My neck was fine a year ago. Nothing like this happened.

Probably time to go to an actual doctor then.
Maybe get someone to look at you from the side also? Or film yourself. In case your posture is funny from that angle

GeminiFitness1

Since you seen your chiropractor. It could be muscular. Your trapezius muscles might be tight. If they are. I would get a tennis ball with a sock and lie on floor and role around on the ball. Bring one arm above your head slowly. Once you find a tight point hold your arm up for 20 -30 seconds and lower to floor. Repeat process multiple times.

JessicaPippen

Ditto what was said, it sounds like tight or overactive muscles taking over for the muscles that have gone dormant.

Since you seen your chiropractor. It could be muscular. Your trapezius muscles might be tight. If they are. I would get a tennis ball with a sock and lie on floor and role around on the ball. Bring one arm above your head slowly. Once you find a tight point hold your arm up for 20 -30 seconds and lower to floor. Repeat process multiple times.

GiddyupTim

I think sometimes you get a ligament or tendon strain, and it does not heal all the way and remains prone to re-injury for quite a while.