Cervical Rehab

[mark]

I've had disc surgery twice on my neck. The physical therapest told me to work on my traps to support my neck. It seems that the trap work, as it strengthens the area increases the neck pain. any suggestions? I still lift 3X's per week and none of the other lifting bothers me, even heavy benchs.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

What are you doing for your traps, in terms of exercises, weights, etc?

 

[Arnold]

Exactly, what are you doing for traps and how are you doing it?

 

[Mudge]

I have heard of people sticking thier neck out, and having problems that way. I usually move my head down a little bit, sometimes lean forward a tad to get my head/neck out of the way, but ultimately you'll have to be the judge on form.

I know I have hurt my lower back with heavy barbell shrugs not supporting my spine properly at the end of the rep, and that bothered me for a couple weeks

Good luck

 

[mark]

For traps I only do dumbell shrugs with 70 lb.ers. I go slow and hold the contraction for 2 seconds. I move my head/neck forword while doing the exercise and squeeze the last inch up. I'm 42 but still bench 355 even after two neck and two shoulder surgeries (semi-worn out ex-jock), is it possible that benching could be causing the problem? I think my neck is relaxed when I bench and benches don't hurt my neck.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

Traps and neck have very little to do with benching.

Another question-- does it cause pain while doing the movement, or afterwards?

 

[mark]

I have pain while stretching at the bottom of the movement during the exercise and then the next two days after.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

Ok....its very possible that you're irritating the affected area on the spine. Try limiting the stretching action at the bottom and see if that helps. If not, you may have to get more creative in your trap work.

 

[mark]

Thanks snake eyes I'll give it a try and let you know.