General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Neck Pain after swimming Rss Feed  
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2009-11-10 9:00 AM

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Subject: Neck Pain after swimming
I have only done a 2000yd. swim twice. Both times my neck was somewhat sore/stiff. I usually swim 1000-1500 total. Is it just the constant bending of my neck or possibly doing to much distance above what I am accustomed too?
Last night after doing the 2000, I inhaled a sharp breath and now have a VERY stiff neck. Hard to turn side to side.


2009-11-10 9:10 AM
in reply to: #2506398

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Master
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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
Sounds like the start of another bilateral breathing thread....

I am sure the longer time/distance was a factor.  Was it a non-stop swim?  How do you breath?
2009-11-10 9:13 AM
in reply to: #2506398

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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming

Yes, it was non-stop and I always breath on the right side. Every two strokes.
Was at a moderate pace, nothing blistering.

2009-11-10 9:28 AM
in reply to: #2506438

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Master
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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
I started having pain in my shoulder/neck after ramping up my swimming about a year ago and did some research and it was suggested to try breathing every third on alternate sides or switch sides every x laps to help prevent injury.  It took awhile to learn how, but it comes second  nature for me now.  For races I still only breath on one side every 2nd stroke as my race pace requries that amount of intake.

There are other postives to learning how to breath on either side for racing such as better sighting, look away from the sun, ability to breath away from oncoming waves, or to breath away from someone swimming and splashing next to you.  Lots of threads about this topic.  Do a search for "bilateral breathing" to read more.

Maybe get a massge for your neck/shoulders and take some time off from swimming.   Just my two cents....good luck.
2009-11-10 9:49 AM
in reply to: #2506398

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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
Thanks for the input. I may start to do the bilateral breathing in some practice swims and then stick to the every other for the races.
Good advice.
2009-11-10 10:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
I'm not knocking bilateral breathing but I am a predominately left side breather and have no neck issues when I do 2-5k meter workouts. So, maybe it's a swim technique issue? Your neck shouldn't hurt if you are rotating correctly when you breathe as opposed to just turning your neck. Just a thought.....


2009-11-10 11:01 AM
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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.  
2009-11-10 11:07 AM
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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
gerald12 - 2009-11-10 9:01 AM My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.  


This. x2. I very rarely if ever breath bilaterally anymore, and I don't have a problem.

Here's an experiment. Sitting upright looking at the screen, tilt ONLY your head back so you are looking up by about 30 degrees or so. Then CAREFULLY turn your head like you were going to breath while swimming. If you get the same pain in your neck doing that, then that's very likely what you're doing while swimming too.

John
2009-11-10 11:54 AM
in reply to: #2506398

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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
I only breathe on the right side and typically every 2 strokes.

When I start upping my distance, I have to break my neck in. Meaning: It gets sore and stiff if I go longer than usual. When I keep up the distance my neck gets use to it and stops hurting.

Kind of like when I stop riding as much during the winter. When I get back on my bike, I gotta break my butt back in.

Ha!
2009-11-10 2:49 PM
in reply to: #2506774

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Subject: RE: Neck Pain after swimming
tkd.teacher - 2009-11-10 11:07 AM
gerald12 - 2009-11-10 9:01 AM My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.  


This. x2. I very rarely if ever breath bilaterally anymore, and I don't have a problem.

Here's an experiment. Sitting upright looking at the screen, tilt ONLY your head back so you are looking up by about 30 degrees or so. Then CAREFULLY turn your head like you were going to breath while swimming. If you get the same pain in your neck doing that, then that's very likely what you're doing while swimming too.



John


Makes sense and yes. I will keep an eye on things when I swim next but possibly that is what I am doing. Lifting and turning instead of just turning.
Thanks.
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