Neck pain after jogging

umer76

I need some advice. I have started running again after a break of 6 months or so. I am able to increase my running time from mere 10-12 mins to 26 mins (non stop) and with walking breaks in between I am able to add 20 more minutes. I am able to run for 45 mins now and I am very happy about this.
But this is giving me one problem I am starting to have neck pain especially on the sides. I think it is coming from jogging. I am sure because I didn't do any other exercise that day. This is the 3rd time I have felt that I am having neck pain due to running. Any good suggestions to rectify this problem?

Phaedra2014

Pay attention to your form. If you are shrugging your shoulders and/or have a "turtle neck" while jogging, it could be causing you neck pain.

knitapeace

I sometimes get a shooting pain along my collarbone. Focusing on relaxing my arms and making sure I'm not clenching my fists really helps.

tmaryam

Salaam, Umer. I get neck pain from jogging too, and I found that I was tensing up my shoulders and neck. Try to be more conscious of your muscles and see if that makes any difference.

badbcatha05

Pay attention to your form. If you are shrugging your shoulders and/or have a "turtle neck" while jogging, it could be causing you neck pain.

^Yup... I do this, when I don't pay attention to it, I feel like I just did a shoulder workout. Shake your arms out every now and again, and reset into a more relaxed form.

umer76

I do try to shake my arms every now and then and also try to run for a minute with straight arms.

umer76

I sometimes get a shooting pain along my collarbone. Focusing on relaxing my arms and making sure I'm not clenching my fists really helps.

Although I am not clinching my fists but my hands are not open either. Should I keep my hands as open as possible?

ninerbuff

Do you run in a heavy traveled area? I ask because head turning (to look around especially snapping of the head) could be an issue if you're doing it alot.
And believe it or not many who listen to music when they run "bop" their heads around to the beat and that may also be an issue if your neck muscles aren't conditioned to it.
As mentioned learn to "pack your shoulders" (pinch them back) to avoid slumping when you run.

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No_Finish_Line

some people have a tendancy to clench thier jaw when exerting hard. this could cause tension in the neck and lead to maybe DOMs like soreness.

try to be mindful of that next time and see if your clenching even slightly

BlueBombers

Agree with others, check your form.

BerryH

Another vote for consciously relaxing your shoulders. I was told to avoid tensing your fists, pretend you're carrying a Pringle in each hand!

Another idea is the problem may come from your posture at work and only manifest itself when running. Runner's World cites research that shows adding lateral should raises with an exercise band could help your problem:

http://www.runnersworld.com/health/two-minute-exercise-relieves-chronic-neck-pain