Tightness in top shoulder/base of neck area

Nocturnal

Lifer
Jan 8, 2002
18,927
0
76
I am a newbie to weight lifting and my friend who I have partnered with had me lifting heavy because he thinks everyone can start heavy.

Obviously that was wrong of him to do and I now know that I should definitely not be going heavy to start.

On Monday I started squatting with just the bar.

On Wednesday I did several different exercises, flat bench, and incline bench presses.

I noticed on Wed/Thurs that at the base of my neck on the right hand side also along the top of my shoulder, there was what I would like to describe as tightness.

Could I have pinched a nerve?

It isn't constant and isn't always there. It seems to crop up in the late afternoon towards the early part of the evening.

I tried squatting this AM and noticed afterwards that it felt strange over there -- not sore or any pain but sort of tight again.

I am wondering if my squat form is totally off and I may be putting myself in harms way.

I am a newbie who is overweight and to me, weightlifting is a vital part of my weight loss regimine.

I hope that you can help me out today. Thank you.

Obviously, I know that if there is pain, I should seek a doctor's attention right away. I definitely plan on doing that but in the mean time, can anyone help me with this tightness that I am experiencing?

It isn't a total tightness where it cramps or it feels like a knot, it's just a weird sensation and the best thing I can describe it is tightness -- and it isn't the same tightness that you get after lifting weights when your muscle rips and repairs.
 

GenHoth

Platinum Member
Jul 5, 2007
2,106
0
0
Sounds like its just a bit stiff. Make sure to warm up and stretch. Remember that stretching at the end of your workout can do wonders as well. Just keep it mobile on your off days and it should limber up just fine.
 

thespeakerbox

Platinum Member
Nov 19, 2004
2,654
0
71
after you work hit the area immediately with ice. Then, throughout the rest of the way, place heat on it. Dont strain it and it should only take a good week to go away.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
32,289
33,112
146
Try Tiger Balm red, I've been using it for many years, and I'd have stopped long ago if I didn't experience positive results.