Core Work / Neck Strain

[CollinsMom]

I have recently stepped up the core work I am doing. When I wake up the next day, my abs and neck both hurt equally. It sucks -- I could deal with the abs. Obviously they are going to be sore, because I am working the muscles.

But what about the neck -- what gives?? Is it just poor form? Or my upper body trying to compensate for a weak core, and it will get better with time as I build my core?

 

[spyrosmom]

It may be a bit of both. Make sure you're pulling your self up with your hands behind your neck. But in lifting your shoulders off the ground, you are lifting your head, too. If its just muscle weakness, it'll eventually go away as you get stronger. If your pulling on your heard, you'll end up hurting yourself. Keep your neck in neutral position or imagine you have an orange or a tennis ball between your chin and your chest. I had the same prob, it eventually went away. I actually used a tennis ball under my chin for 1 session, just to get the feel of proper positioning. I felt kinda stupid, but hey, it worked!! Also maybe give your neck a gentle stretch when you're done. Both sides, and up and down.

Nan

 

[janiejoey]

I have the same problem as you. It took me 4 months to get rid of my soreness in my neck. It was just awful! I've read on Cathe's forum that she recommends you get use to it by doing a little at a time. And eventually you will be stronger and be able to do them. So that is what I'm doing now. There are other exercises beside the ones where you have to hold your head. But I'm very carefully doing those as well, if I'm not afraid to at the moment.

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible

www.picturetrail.com/janiejoey

 

[CollinsMom]

Thanks ladies!!

 

[kathryn]

You can avoid some of the neck strain by using a folded towel to cradle your head, holding onto the ends, and making sure that you are lifting with your chest/shoulders and not pulling on the towel/head.

Also, PT's recommend doing crunches and other ab work with the tongue touching the palate just behind the upper teeth, with teeth held together (but not clenched) to help support the neck muscles.