How do I stop my neck hurting after running? - Couch to 5K

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How do I stop my neck hurting after running?

Tina49 profile image
Tina49Graduate
8 Replies

Hi, I am new here. I have just completed W6R1 and am very pleased with my progress. I started training as I wanted to prepare for the Race For Life, which I am doing next weekend. I have a problem though that I get a pain my neck/ back of my head after running, I am sure it is a muscle thing. Any advise on the best running technique to prevent this? It is not putting me off but is not a pleasant end to my runs. Thank you.

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Tina49 profile image
Tina49
Graduate
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8 Replies
davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Could be tension, try to relax the shoulders, but keep them back with chest out..arms at 45deg going just in front of the body..

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate in reply to davelinks

I had this to start with and stiff shoulders and my daughter said someone told her to do “penguin arms” for a while. When you feel you shoulders tense up flip your arms down by your sides like a penguin and just let them flap as you run for a little while. It helps......and it makes you chuckle which also helps shoulders relax. 😜

Tina49 profile image
Tina49Graduate in reply to davelinks

Thank you. I am not used to using the armband, headphones to listen to the app so think I have been tensing up using them.

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Concentrate on your posture and keep reminding your self to correct it, especially if you feel your head and\or shoulders are dropping forward a bit.

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71

I’ve just had physio for this! Had same issue a few weeks back and didn’t improve. Didn’t bother me when running but did at night and when sat still. The muscles in my neck were worked through with a sports massage yesterday and acupuncture. Feels much better today and no headache. I thought it would sort itself but didn’t. So glad I had it done.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Had the same. “Force” your shoulders to relax - sounds wrong, but make them drop while you run.

But I love the sound of penguin arms! Going to try that.

_SimonT_ profile image
_SimonT_Graduate

youtu.be/s2AWw9oJi_A

You may find the link useful. Hope it helps!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

Also make sure you're head isn't tipping back slightly (a bad habit of mine).

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