So I started having pretty intense pain in my right neck and down into my right shoulder. I went into the chiropractor and the x rays showed neck compression in my neck with some rotation of my vertebrae to the right in my neck. He also noted inflimation and tightness in my right rhomboid muscle (which is when I realized what it might be related to. I was actually proud of this). It so happens that I've had a broken fibula the past 8 weeks so I've been doing nothing else and no injuries. He doesn't think I should stop shooting but to take it easier for a bit and work out my left side unilaterally to offset the right side strain imbalance. I feel pretty good about my form and I shoot a weight I'm comfortable with (55 at my draw). So anyone else have this issue and find solutions?
One thing I've done in the past is to draw my bow with the opposite hand, left for me, 10 or so reps at the end of each practice session. It seemed to help.
Kevin
Darn...now you might have to just break down and get a Left handed bow!!!
Yep...ice pack after shooting helps too.
Be careful with what you are dealing with. Now is the time to start educating yourself on your vertebra issues, discs, and the muscles around them. Figure out any preventative measures, such as stretching, and build it into your daily routine. I just had cervical fusion in my neck. Once you are injured it won't take much to cross the threshold to where surgery is your only option. I wish I had not been so naive. I had similar pains. Chiropractor worked initially and I was 100% for a few years, problem solved I thought. Then one day the pain came back. This time within a few days it migrated to my right hand (left handed) and I lost 90% use of my hand due to nerve damage. Went to the chiropractor and he got rid of the shoulder pain but the hand never got better. After MRI's, myleograms, etc. they found the nerve that controlled my right hand was compressed at my spine. Surgery fixed the compression but I waited too long. My hand is weak and curled up. Can't straighten my fingers. All this started with a pain like yours. Not to say you will end up like me. Just listen to your body. If the pain migrates into your arms or hands go to a doctor quick (and you better have good health insurance).
Now that I have been a downer here is the good news. My right hand, though pretty much useless and deformed, strangely works well holding the HH style longbow grip. So I can still shoot a bow.
I would stop shooting for a few weeks and let your muscles and nerves heal. If you shoot again and have the pain I would stop immediately and consult a doctor.
I've been going to a chiropractor for several weeks now, due to a bulging disc. I had quit pulling with my opposite hand (for balance) because I thought that was where the pain was coming from. Then they MRI'd me and found the bulge... AND a bone spur right where the bulge is. Recently I started pulling with my off hand again and the pain has really subsided. So, balance is definitely a good thing. But I'm taking it a bit easier from here on out.
I appreciate the feedback. I might try the lefty thing in addition to rehab
Good luck Z. I havent had neck issues but the left elbow (bow arm) has hurt consistently for 2 years and 4 different sports docs and rehab no answers so I know your frustration!
Take care and best of luck
Andrew
Glad you caught it before got worst. I will warm up before doing a practice session, either just a few shoulder shrugs and rotations or push up's. don't take alot but like getting the blood flowing. After done I will grab the bow in oppostie hand and pull about 10 times. I use to have a left handed bow that I would shoot off and on, but loaned it to a newbie.
I can relate to your problem, ive got degenerated discs in my neck , which at times pinches nerves, and causes severe migrains , and severe pain in my neck. My cure is surgery going in from the front to get to the back, Im putting that off as long as possible. So for now chiropractors, ice packs, Tylenol and shooting short sessions is the answer. Frustration, YES! Defeat, NO WAY!
I now know when its time to stop, put the bow down and do other things, then come back to it at a later time or a later day.
Good luck and take care.
Paul
Yep. They cut my throat to get to my spine. The back and neck felt pretty decent after surgery considering they removed my disc and screwed a titanium plate on my spine. It was my throat that was the worst part. Couldn't hardly talk for 3 weeks. Also my X-rays looked fine. But because my hand stopped working they knew something was surely wrong. So I had to get an MRI. The MRI showed some issues but not enough to cause my severe nerve problems. So then I had to have a Myeogram (sp?) where they inject die in you spine. Then they found a bone spur, combined with disc problems.
i tore my right arm off at the elbow 32 years ago.
started having back/neck issues a year or so later.
figured out that i had to find ways to exercise muscles that were under-used, because part of their function is opposition/stabilization.
works.
now that i'm back shooting the bow, the details have changed, but once you get the principles, that ain't nothin' but a thang.
if you need professional help, don't bother with drs. physical therapists know way more about this kind of issue.
best, and happy to help if i can.
joe