Thursday i was warming up for over head shoulder presses and during my warm up (not even really lifting yet ) i had a pretty sharp pain in my neck. Ive had neck pain before, but not like this, i couldnt sleep through the night for about 2 days


So went to the docs, got xrays and an exam to be sure it wasnt something too serious

Its getting better each day but I've been prescribed some ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer


Im taking a week off of lifting but I'd like to continue to do yoga and cardio, do any of you have any knowledge on if its safe to workout while taking muscle relaxers and exercise, i feel pretty functional while on them, i just have soreness in my neck and trap. I cant sit on the couch for a week


And yes ive googled this but the info i found wasnt helpful

What muscle relaxer? I'd say you're safe to do cardio and shit. If it's opiate based I know it'll suppress your CNS more and maybe make it more difficult to run, that's about it.

As far as lifting I've got no clue I'd like my muscle to be awake not all chilled sup fam yolo

I've had the exact same pull in my trap from a light overhead press. Even got it from reaching overhead to grab a jacket before.

I went to physio for this. You didn't really injure yourself, your body is just protecting itself.

Basically: if you sit all day or work at a desk and are a keyboard warrior, you most likely have:

- some degree of rolled forward shoulders
- some degree of head forward posture
- tight chest
- tight neck muscles/traps
- stretched (weak) upper back

To resolve this:

- stretch your chest (use a band or a wall and turn your body away to feel nice stretch in front of shoulder and chest)
- stretch your neck and traps (nose to armpit / head to shoulder)
- strengthen your back to counter the tight front
- do more pulling (e.g. Rows) than pushing exercises (2 pulls for every push)
- do external rotation exercises (light weight)
- practice bringing your shoulders down and back regularly.
- do scapular retractions (active hangs, scap push-ups)

FYI I continued to lift even when I had the pain. Doing the exercises above helped.

This post was edited by PartyInMyPants on Jun 4 2017 11:34am

My ideas exactly, great post.

Rehab everything at least upper extremity based for this week.

EOD, do 5-7 sets of 15-25 reps slow and controlled with as minimal weight as possible. Start indirect, bench press / machine variation and move into an overhead movement.

Keep the affected area mobile throughout the day. Shrugs, neck rotations, ect. As aforementioned do your stretches and such.

Thank you for this!