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.
Parents
Former Member
This is a problem that I've had in the past. It's root cause is certainly posture related -- especially posture in front of the computer screen. It's way too easy for me to let my head get out in front of my body.
I tried several different cures: chiropractic treatment, massage, heating pads, conscious realignment of my body, etc. Finally my swim coach made a recommendation that has fixed it for me: he told me I was starting my pull too early. Once I changed my stroke, the pain went away. The only time that I feel it come back now is when I'm doing a lot of sprints and I start to get tired . . . I think I fall back into my old habit.
Try letting your hand fall weightlessly throught the first part of your pull before you apply pressure. Maybe it will help you, too!
This is a problem that I've had in the past. It's root cause is certainly posture related -- especially posture in front of the computer screen. It's way too easy for me to let my head get out in front of my body.
I tried several different cures: chiropractic treatment, massage, heating pads, conscious realignment of my body, etc. Finally my swim coach made a recommendation that has fixed it for me: he told me I was starting my pull too early. Once I changed my stroke, the pain went away. The only time that I feel it come back now is when I'm doing a lot of sprints and I start to get tired . . . I think I fall back into my old habit.
Try letting your hand fall weightlessly throught the first part of your pull before you apply pressure. Maybe it will help you, too!
