Neck friendly strength training

ahinescapron

I have several bulging discs in my neck and have had to have severeal spinal blocks for pain. I damaged it in an auto accident several years ago. I used to do weights, but have not been able to do them recently. Any type of upper body exercise (except maybe chest exercises) seems to aggravate the problem. I do a whole lot of cardio, but I like feeling strong and don't want to be soft. I really can't risk injury, because I have to be able to take care of my kids. Can anyone recommend a neck-friendly strength training routine?

rileysowner

This would be a much better question to ask a physiotherapist, especially on working with a doctor who knows your medical history and the injury you sustained well. They will be able to develop a routine that will work with what you can do, and is safe for your neck. I don't think anyone here can or should give suggestions. I was tempted to, but then thought I would not want to be responsible for aggravating your problems and limiting your mobility further. This is not something to play around with through internet forums, it is time to go to people specially trained for this. Get a referral to a physiotherapist, it will be time and money well spent.

Sp1nGoddess

I would address your neck issues first. Since this is affecting your daily activities I would find a doctor or physical therapist to help you with that.

ahinescapron

You don't have to worry about me going and doing anything without doing a ton of research and talking to my doctor first. I am mainly just looking for ideas that I could look into.

DKBelle

Check out these sites:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooking-ideasHomemade-Healthy-Foods/179121125503371
www.bodyrock.tv
www.myomytv.com
www.diet.com

Spinach_Brigade

...Get a referral to a physiotherapist, it will be time and money well spent.

Everything that first fellow said was good advice. If we were in person I'd give him a free lollipop just for making sense.

k8bugz

I herniated a disc in my neck in september, and have not resumed strength training yet. However, I have been in physical therapy 2xweek since october, and just recently went to once a week. My dr and physical therapist don't think i'm ready to resume upper body strength training quite yet, and said when I am they will work with me on exercises and form. My current pt routine includes lots of stretches to improve my neck mobility/flexibility and some shoulder/rhomboid/trap strength work with bands, mostly to develop the muscle strength to prevent this injury from re-occurring (mine was not a result of an accident). So, yeah, echoing previous advice - talk to a professional.

But I can totally relate to the pain and discomfort you must be feeling. It sucks hardcore.

jcr85

Check out these sites:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooking-ideasHomemade-Healthy-Foods/179121125503371
www.bodyrock.tv
www.myomytv.com
www.diet.com

Not sure if you REALLY like these sites or just spamming every post....

EricMurano

+1 for seeing a physio. Find one that's sport oriented and that knows about weight lifting. The last physio I had actually helped me with my squat and deadlift technique.

JipsyJudy

I agree re physio. I hurt my neck and shoulders trying to follow the instructions of a trainer in a gym. When I got into physio, the therapist explained why the "normal" neutral postures taught to trainers won't work for me and showed me how to brace my neck to protect it when I do various exercises. But what she taught me was specific to my neck, and my problem is that I need to avoid neck extension. You need help with your specific neck problems.

NoAdditives

Yep. See a physical therapist. He or she can give you exercises that will help strengthen the muscles around your injury in addition to providing a safe strength training routine.