Stiffness/ROM in neck
CynthiaT60
Posts: 1,280 Member
Hi guys, let me run this by you. I've noticed recently that my neck is stiff and doesn't "crack" easily, which it has always done. (Upper back also cracks less easily.) Also, when I turn my head pretty far (like looking over my shoulder while driving) my neck can feel stiff. I will go to the PT if it keeps up, but I wonder whether it could be related to weight training.
Prior to September I hadn't done any weight training except pretty easy stuff on the machines; no free weights. Got a program in September from the trainer at the gym. Since then I've been doing (weights are current; I've built up to them) lat pulldowns (77 lb), dumbbell chest press lying down (35 lb each hand), seated pulley row (66 lb), dumbbell shoulder press (no back support; wonder whether that's good) (22 lb each hand).
After this, plus crunches with legs elevated on the Swiss Ball and dumbbell side bends (just started those last week), and maybe a couple of planks (30 sec.), I do about 20 min. of cardio (stationary bike).
I do this twice a week, three times in a good week.
I know there's not much in there for the legs, by the way; that's because of bone on bone osteoarthritis in one knee.
Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Cynthia
Prior to September I hadn't done any weight training except pretty easy stuff on the machines; no free weights. Got a program in September from the trainer at the gym. Since then I've been doing (weights are current; I've built up to them) lat pulldowns (77 lb), dumbbell chest press lying down (35 lb each hand), seated pulley row (66 lb), dumbbell shoulder press (no back support; wonder whether that's good) (22 lb each hand).
After this, plus crunches with legs elevated on the Swiss Ball and dumbbell side bends (just started those last week), and maybe a couple of planks (30 sec.), I do about 20 min. of cardio (stationary bike).
I do this twice a week, three times in a good week.
I know there's not much in there for the legs, by the way; that's because of bone on bone osteoarthritis in one knee.
Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Cynthia
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Replies
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I wish I could help but I'd suggest getting it looked at if it doesn't go away on its own. I've never had neck issues with lifting but sometimes I'll "sleep wrong" and mess it up.
If you think it's lifting related I would double check your technique.0 -
Sounds like a strained or pulled upper back/trap muscle.
Make sure you are warming up properly. Some mobility/dynamic stretches. Also do some warm up sets that use light weights for the exercise you are doing. Considering you have never done strength training your body hasn't been conditioned for this stuff.
And as SideSteel said, if it doesn't go away or gets worse see a professional.0 -
Thanks guys; I'll call the PT and see whether he has anything to say.
Any other remarks about what I'm doing?
Cynthia0 -
Worth having it checked out - I discovered I had cervical spondylosis after my neck felt stiff and painful - the muscles go into a spasm around the neck/shouldermy neck is stiff and doesn't "crack" easily, which it has always done. (Upper back also cracks less easily.) Also, when I turn my head pretty far (like looking over my shoulder while driving) my neck can feel stiff.
What did you mean by "cracking" the neck or back? I didn't understand that
If it is only stiff and not painful, it could be worth doing some yoga for the neck/shoulder - there are a couple of seated stretches that need the whole spine to swivel and it improves flexibility. Google "bharadvajasana on chair" and check out the images - the stretch can be as intense as you can manage and held for as long as 1 minute if it isn't painful0 -
Doing crunches can be hard on the neck. Best to place hands on or near your ear with your elbow as wide as possible (hope this makes sense).0
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Thanks guys!
P.S. "Cracking" is like what people do with their knuckles. I can usually crack my neck easily (yes, I'm aware it's controversial). So I'm thinking muscle stiffness of some kind, because (I forgot to mention this) I can crack it better *after* a workout.0
