I've experienced pretty frequent neck pains in the last month, and noticed it especially when I was shooting a heavier (62 lb.) bow last year.  Went back to 50 lbs., much more comfortable, but now my neck is hurting again.

Just wondering if this is a common problem that others have experienced and what can be done to correct it.

I've had a pain in the neck for years.



Oh..from shooting. I notice it more after shooting a heavier bow. My neck and other bony spots are all shot up with arthritis, and shooting aggravates it.

I know what my pain is from, but you need to be diagnosed. The finest doctor in our ranks would still insist upon seeing you before deciding what it is that he or she thinks ails you.

Killdeer~I just play one on the internet.  

If you shoot 5 arrows right handed pull your  bow left handed 5 times. You have to build up you neck and back muscles equally to avoid neck pain. Before I started doing equal pulls during my shooting sessions I had a stiff, sore neck really often.

Neck pain can be minor or serious. I have recently been diagnosed with stenosis of the neck.....osteoarthritis. I got some therapy and meds. The meds didn't help much but going to the gym several days a week and doing the exercises that were prescribed have really helped strengthen the neck and upper back. I can still shoot my 60# bow without any problem. If I were you I would get checked out by a doc and perhaps even get an MRI....that told the story for me. I just have to keep up the exercise program or I start to get pain again but you won't know what the trouble is caused by without a good diagnosis.

Thanks Eric never thought of doing that, Makes a lot of sence.

Cheers

Hamish

Dr Killdeer..... Hmmmmm, Didn't you have a TV show a few years back?

I would have to agree with what Eric said - I have occasional neck problems anyway, but when I started shooting a few years back I never exercised my left side.. I just shot right handed and ended up with sore neck problems more often than normal.  A fellow later pointed out that the imbalance could be part of my problem.  I got a BowFit and do a few sets of pulls with my left side at least 3 or 4 times a week when I'm shooting my bow a lot.  It seems to have helped me out.  
So... it won't necessarily solve your current problem, but it's still a good idea to get into some sort of balanced workout - just might help you out down the road.  
Mark

Push-ups is a great way to strengthen those muscles.

Push-ups is that those little round things with a stick in the middle and they are orange ?????


Those are really taste good, not bad therapy  


Carl

   

Stop falling asleep on the couch infront of the TV at night. Wife said my neck was in all kinds of weird positions when she went to wake me to get in bed.  Would go to bed and wake up w/a nasty crick in my neck.  She sends me to bed now when I start zoning in the evening. Seems to help my problem.
Quinn