Hi everyone, I'm a long time lurker and a first time poster. I really have enjoyed the discussion and really appreciate all of your advice.
I started swimming again (2 months ago) regularly after taking a few years off. I have been swimming between 2 and 3k (SCY) per day about 4 or 5 times a week since then.
A couple of times (usually when I've been swimming for a while and am pretty tired) I have tweaked the nerve that runs down the left side of the back of my neck. Usually it happens when I am taking a breath on the right side. Once it made me have to stop and rest in the middle of my set before I felt comfortable to continue.
I thought that it was probably because my form is maybe not quite right, and my lack of proper rotation is causing me to lift my head to breath instead of just rolling over. Does that sound plausible? I don't anticipate that there is anything seriously wrong, but I'm thinking about doing a short triathalon....would hate for this to happen in the middle of a lake or river or sumpin'....
Does this happen to anyone else? Is it something to be concerned about? Is it caused by my poor form?
Thanks in advance.
James.
I used to pinch nerves alot with bilateral breathing. Now I only breathe to one side. It stinks but it is just the way it is for me. I mix up breathing every stroke and every four. I can still peak to the right when racing.
I don't advocate you give up or experiment with a solution. For me, I just do what works and don't complain too much anymore.
I think when swimming fast, there is less body rotation because a strong kick does not allow it. This may force more head turn when sprinting. 4 beat or 2 beat allows a bit more body roll so you spine should stay in more alignment when breathing. You should not be lifting your head at all, or looking back. You should turn just enough to sneak some air.
If it is predictable when it happens, then stop short of it, or change strokes.
Just my limited opinion.
I used to pinch nerves alot with bilateral breathing. Now I only breathe to one side. It stinks but it is just the way it is for me. I mix up breathing every stroke and every four. I can still peak to the right when racing.
I don't advocate you give up or experiment with a solution. For me, I just do what works and don't complain too much anymore.
I think when swimming fast, there is less body rotation because a strong kick does not allow it. This may force more head turn when sprinting. 4 beat or 2 beat allows a bit more body roll so you spine should stay in more alignment when breathing. You should not be lifting your head at all, or looking back. You should turn just enough to sneak some air.
If it is predictable when it happens, then stop short of it, or change strokes.
Just my limited opinion.
