Recurring muscle pull in Upper-back/Neck when doing overhead press/bench press - form advice? - Project Sports
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Recurring muscle pull in Upper-back/Neck when doing overhead press/bench press – form advice?

4 min read

Asked by: Michelle Cheng

How do I stop my neck from hurting when bench pressing?

Prevention of Neck Pain



Keep back muscles relaxed and breath evenly while performing the motions. You can also tilt your head from one shoulder to the other, stopping to hold your head upright in between each tilt. Also remember to practice proper posture to avoid straining your neck muscles from hunching over.

Why does my neck hurt from overhead press?

Load Management and Form Errors. Sometimes one-sided neck pain is a simple as this: you did too much too fast too soon during your workouts. If you recently added in some sort of overhead pressing variation at too high of an intensity, volume, and/or frequency, I’ve seen plenty of neck tweaks occur after this.

Why does my upper back hurt when I do overhead press?

Throwing a ball overhead, lifting weights, and performing some swimming strokes can strain muscles between the shoulder blades. The repetition of these movements over time is a common cause of muscle strain. Other symptoms of muscle strain include a feeling of weakness in the area, swelling, and muscle cramps.

Why do I keep straining my neck when working out?

“Neck strain is often caused by poor technique and involves too much neck flexion. You’re really aiming to be flexing your core, not your neck,” says Reinold. Make sure you’re consciously engaging your core muscles and using them to power you through an exercise, not your neck.

How do I not strain my neck when lifting weights?

Crouching and looking down, reaching very far and lifting heavy objects all stretch your neck in a way that strains neck muscles. Quick fix: Pull your chin back as you look down; take frequent breaks; stay close to the area you are working in; use your leg muscles to help lift heavy objects.

What helps with neck pain from lifting?

What to Do for Neck Pain When Lifting Weights

  1. Maintain a Balanced Posture. Poor posture can lead to neck pain when lifting weights. …
  2. Relax Your Neck and Jaw. …
  3. Build up Your Weak Side. …
  4. Stay in Control. …
  5. Rest. …
  6. Stay Pain-free When Lifting. …
  7. Maintain a Balanced Posture. …
  8. Relax Your Neck and Jaw.

How do you not strain your neck while shoulder pressing?


Right hand on the back in so you support your neck seductively. Go back there get supported.

What are the symptoms of neck strain?

Symptoms of neck sprains or strains

  • Pain in the back of the neck or upper shoulder that becomes more painful as you move your head.
  • Difficulty moving or rotating the head or neck.
  • Headaches that feel worse in the back of the head.
  • Increased irritability or fatigue.
  • Decreased range of motion or stiffness in the neck.

How do you strengthen your neck muscles?

As you come down but then what we're going to do is keep that face flat to the ceiling. And lift it straight up towards the ceiling. And then right back down. And then straight up towards the ceiling.

Can I lift weights with a strained neck?

If your posture is affected and you don’t lower your weights, you’re risking more back and neck pain and potentially damage. The goal should be to gradually increase your weight with training while maintaining proper posture.

Does bench press work your neck?

In fact, the bench press works your neck, chest, biceps, and even your core. If you’re hoping to see some major gains in your upper body strength and toning, avoid making these common bench press faux pas.

Should you lift your head when bench pressing?

Lifting Your Head off the Bench



There’s nothing to see—keep your head on the bench at all times. Lifting it up as you push will strain your neck and waste energy. If you still struggle to keep your neck down, you could have a significant forward-neck posture.

Where should your head be when bench pressing?

The head should remain flat on the bench from the set up all the way until the bar is racked again.

Why does my trap hurt when I bench?

Sometimes the trap can be chronically tight due to a forward-head posture, so stretches that open up the chest may help (watch the video above for a good chest-opening stretch). However, if trap tightness and pain are persistent, weak neck muscles may be the culprit.

How do you strengthen your neck muscles?

Basically what i want you to do is lie down flat on your back with your head flat there's no pillow underneath my head right now. And then what i want you to do is try to tuck your chin.

How do I keep my upper back tight when benching?

Your chest to the bar. Okay again don't just think about lowering the bar onto your body think about bringing your chest. To the bar. That's going to keep your upper back tight.