Neck Problems?

Question

I am a swimmer and whenever i get back from a tough race my neck starts to hurt and is hard to move, does anyone know why that is?

Answer 1

I know that when I competed in water polo I would come back very tight and stiff, which made me sore. I took some aspirin that would reduce swelling. I also stayed away form caffeine and alcohol.

I am under the impression that much of it has to do with overworking the neck and upper shoulders. Stretching after a workout/race would increase blood flow and help the muscles to relax and return to normal.

Hot/cold therapy is also a option. What I would do is apply a very cold rag for 10 minutes followed by a WARM (not hot) rag. This fluctuation will help to release the knots in those muscles. Follow with gentle stretching

Answer 2

1] joint/muscle/nerve problem - should get it checked out, NOW
2] stress - does it hurt at all races, the ones where you swim the most, or the ones where competition is worst?
Go home, take advil, and rest on bed or couch, flat, with ice pack under your neck.
3] stretch your neck muscles every AM and PM, especially before and after a meet.
Go to www.stretchnow.au/exercises/neck.htm
I have been doing these for years, and they really help!

Answer 3

You may want to have your neck xrayed or get an mri, if it is not muscle ache but joint you may have a disc problem.

Answer 4

I have problems with the cervical discs in neck, this may be your problem also, I had to have them removed because they start to press on your spinal cord and you could become parlyzed. you should have them checked.