You briefly said to avoid some exercises. What exercises should you avoid if someone has neck pain?
I’m am trying to understand better when to use these exercises and when it would not be helpful. I have clients who have shoulder issues. I want to be sure I pick the right exercises for the right issue. Also, the issue of neck pain came up when I tried some of these exercises. So therefore should we avoid those?
Hi Maureen,
Although I might have a good idea as to which exercises you are referring to, please list them so we are all on the same page. If there are exercises that make the neck and shoulder pain more intense, the best thing to do for now is to avoid them and consult with a physician (orthopedic) and/or a physical therapist. And just like Karin suggested try to avoid overhead presses as well as back squats (barbell). Many people who develop neck and shoulder pain it’s because of either overuse, bad form or both (unless it’s related to injuries not associated with exercising). Maybe some corrective exercises could help fixing these issues, but if the pain persists (or gets intensified) then a visit to the doctor would be the best option.