Neck problems and heat

[Catrin]

I've also seen some research that indicates icing is less helpful than has been thought. All I know is icing doesn't help my neck. Heat sure makes it feel better When I was still in PT he would often apply heat afterwards. I figure it is better than whiskey

[Wahine]

Yes, there is some current research that calls into question the idea that we should be trying to limit the inflammatory respone by applying heat, that it may adversely affect the quality of new tissue that is laid down to heal whatever damage was sustained.

If heat is aggravating a problem, it will feel worse when it is applied. If it feels good when applied, you're home free.

[Catrin]

Frankly I think part of my neck problem is too many hours in front of the computer - especially at work. I think it aggravates the multiple issues I have with both neck and shoulder. I try to use proper positioning as much as I can, but if I could come up with another way to make a living that would be more active and still pay the bills I would. I love my job, but it isn't good for my neck...

Thanks for the information Wahine, that has been my assumption since this all started.

[Catrin]

Thankfully my neck is much better today - back to what passes for normal. I ordinarily head to the gym for a lifting session on Saturdays, but I think today I will just do some mobility and light body weight at home as I've my usual "Funday" crazy group workout tomorrow and give my neck one more day to recover from whatever happened. It is kind of funny, I dreamed that I knew exactly how to sleep to avoid neck pain, and even woke up thinking about it. Pity I can't remember the details

[luvmyguys]

I've also seen some research that indicates icing is less helpful than has been thought. All I know is icing doesn't help my neck. Heat sure makes it feel better When I was still in PT he would often apply heat afterwards. I figure it is better than whiskey

I got to a point after my neck surgery where ice made things worse - froze up muscles and made it more difficult to recover.

I wouldn't discount the weighted barbell squat jumps as a possible source. Are they PT approved?

Glad you're feeling back to normal! I find that rest, rest, and more rest is usually the best solution.

[Catrin]

I stopped PT long ago, it wasn't helping and I spent a fortune. I now see an Osteopath who has been far more helpful. Nothing against PT, I just couldn't find anyone who was successful in helping me. I HAVE noticed that the more lifting I do, the better my neck gets though, of course, it can only improve so far. I think that is due to the lifting strenghtening the supporting structure. I also don't/can't do overhead lifting because of my shoulder and with the neck as it is, overhead lifting isn't possible. Back squats don't normally both me as long as I make certain the bar is where it should be (traps) rather than neck...but yeah, jumping squats probably shouldn't be in my toolbox.

[Dogmama]

You sound like me. Doing bad stuff in the gym & suffering afterwards.

But I echo Wahine about the shape of the pillow. I have one of those pillows and when it is positioned correctly, it's a wonderful thing with heat. Do you have nerve involvement with your neck?

[Catrin]

You sound like me. Doing bad stuff in the gym & suffering afterwards.

But I echo Wahine about the shape of the pillow. I have one of those pillows and when it is positioned correctly, it's a wonderful thing with heat. Do you have nerve involvement with your neck?

I don't typically suffer afterwards, which is a blessing. I do have nerve involvement with my neck though the symptoms are far less than at one time. My little "seed corn" pillow isn't very large, just a small square. I think I need to apply it before I go to bed, not when. I typically will use it while seated at the couch with a towel wrapped around it.

[Catrin]

You sound like me. Doing bad stuff in the gym & suffering afterwards.

But I echo Wahine about the shape of the pillow. I have one of those pillows and when it is positioned correctly, it's a wonderful thing with heat. Do you have nerve involvement with your neck?

Dogmama, ARE there cervical pillows that are "heatible"? That sounds awesome!!! My neck issues are many...I do not go overhead at all outside of lighter weight medball slams, and typically I don't do those. Between my neck and shoulder I can't do any overhead work with proper form, which means I don't do it.

[Catrin]

You sound like me. Doing bad stuff in the gym & suffering afterwards.

But I echo Wahine about the shape of the pillow. I have one of those pillows and when it is positioned correctly, it's a wonderful thing with heat. Do you have nerve involvement with your neck?

Microwavable cervical pills? That sounds awesome and I will check it out!!! My neck issues are many...I do not go overhead at all outside of lighter weight medball slams, and typically I don't do those. Between my neck and shoulder I can't do any overhead work with proper form, which means I don't do it. Anything below shoulder height is fine, including back squats. Just no more jumping weighted BB squats Front squats ARE a problem, but that is from my shoulder, not my neck. My shoulder prevents my hands from getting into the proper position which also means I can't hinge properly at the hips which means...my coach generally makes me stop and move to KB goblet squats instead.