Ouch! I’ve done yoga headstands before but right after doing it in class this morning i could feel my neck hurting - and now i have a painful stiff neck - cant turn to the left. Any advice? Not sure if i should ice or heat or just stretch?
What to do for a stiff neck after yoga headstand?
February 3rd, 2010 · 2 Comments · Yahoo Answers
Tags: Headstands·Painful Stiff Neck·What To Do For A Stiff Neck·Yoga Headstand
Hey sorry to hear that your neck is hurting. You have to be really careful doing headstands with yoga. It can cause a lot of neck pain and stiffness. I would start by using ice on my neck. Ice for 10 minutes on and off- for a few times during the day.
When you are in the shower, let the hot water hit the back of your neck and do some gentle neck stretches. Don’t do them to the point of pain, only to the point of feeling a stretch.
Neck Stretches
http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/993935
6×20 hot and cold pack for your neck
http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/product/Basic6×20HtCldPack552
Also, it is advisable to use a cervical support pillow at night so that your head and neck are aligned properly while sleeping.
***If your pain persists for more than a few days, or the symptoms change, see your Dr- you may want to get an evaluation and x-rays if needed. ****
Hope you feel better.
Sorry about your injury. I would say ice it… but it’s always better to check with the doctor.
I found couple of neck/headstand related articles in yoga journal for you.
The main point is that:
"Before you begin working on Headstand, you should probably spend at least several months working on a variety of other poses to strengthen your back and neck muscles and improve the alignment of your spine."
Hope you feel better soon.