120: Neck Pain Hidden Contributors

Today hosts Tiffany and Rachel talk about the all-too-common complaint of neck pain and its hidden contributors.

We discuss local sources of neck tension, explain the importance of the thoracic spine and shoulder complex, and dive into more subtle influences like posture, the nervous system and even breath mechanics.

Listen in to learn a well-rounded approach for generalized neck pain relief.

“Usually tight tissues aren’t living in a bubble by themselves, usually they are compensating for something that maybe isn’t functioning the way that it should be.” – Tiffany Cruikshank

“Be more aware of the strength and support in your core, your hip muscles, your legs, so that you have this really solid and sturdy foundation and the upper body can almost float on top.” – Rachel Land

Show Notes:

• Myriad potential reasons for generalized neck issues [00:47]
• A good starting place: stretches or strengthening for the neck itself [2:36]
• Differentiate between neighboring muscles in neck tension [3:44]
• Mixed signals around the cue “shoulders back and down” [6:39]
• Shoulder mechanics as a solution for neck pain [11:06]
• Posture and neck pain [12:53]
• More subtle influences on neck pain: stress, living in the future [15:37]
• MFR favorites for stress relief [18:37]
• Addressing the posterior shoulder and chest opening [21:56]
• Core and hip stability as a hidden influence on the neck [23:54]
• The place for targeted neck strengthening work [26:46]
• The role of thoracic mobility, respiratory function, and the jaw [30:55]
• Summing up: Start gently and work indirectly [33:46]
• Relevant Yoga Medicine Online classes [39:19]
• Relevant Yoga Medicine Teacher Training options [41:14]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® Teacher Trainings:
  • Spine Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application
  • Shoulder Anatomy, Dysfunction & Application
  • Myofascial Release
  • Nervous System & Restorative
  • Pranayama
• Yoga Medicine® Online Classes mentioned:
  • Neck Fix
  • Regulate Neck Pain
  • Neck Resilience, Isometrics & Headstand
  • Fast-Track to Zen
  • Neck, Shoulder & Upper-Back Favorites
  • Mobilize Your Shoulders, Release Your Neck
  • Spine Series 3: Head & Neck Awareness

“People don’t always think to take their attention below the neckline and think about what their shoulders are doing when it comes to feeling tension or pain in the neck.” – Rachel Land