Neck pain caused by pull-ups#426

Hi, I’m getting severe neck pain after doing pull-ups which lasts for days and is really hindering my progress. Is this a technique problem or do I need to work on strengthening my shoulders/neck with other exercises before continuing with pull-ups?

Great question!

It’s possible that your neck pain is due to a technique problem while performing pull-ups, but it’s also possible that you need to work on strengthening your shoulders and neck with other exercises before continuing with pull-ups. It’s important to identify the root cause of your pain to prevent further injury.

One common mistake that people make while doing pull-ups is to strain their neck by pulling their chin towards the bar or tilting their head backward. This can put excessive strain on the neck muscles and cause pain. To avoid this, focus on keeping your neck in a neutral position and pulling your chest towards the bar instead of your chin. (Probably the biggest takeaway here👍)

In addition to improving your technique, it’s a good idea to incorporate exercises that target your shoulders and neck muscles to build strength and endurance. Exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, and face pulls can help strengthen your shoulders and neck, which can improve your ability to perform pull-ups without pain.

Hope this helps!