For the past 5 months i've had this kink in the back left side of my neck from shooting that just won't go away. I've been getting messages and going to a chiropractor which helps some. I even stopped shooting for a month but it never really went away. It slowly gets better when I stop shooting but as soon as I start practicing again it wants to lock up. Anybody have a similar issue and find a cure? I raise my peep a half an inch to get my back arm to relax more and thats when I got this kink. My shooting has improved greatly but I can only shoot about once a week. I've got three bows set at 58, 63 and 68# and the light poundage bow I can shoot more but in still irritates my neck. Help, September is approaching rapidly and I've got a fist full of tags to fill.
I would think by now you're a good shot with your bows, so do you think you HAVE to shoot as much as you do? I realize it's a lot of fun, but if I had your issue I would just shoot occasionally. I'm not big on shooting a lot, but I'm accurate with my bow. I might only shoot a few arrows a week, but it keeps me fresh.
Funny, I usually pin wheel my first practice arrow. It's after I start thinking about my shots that they start to unwind I like shooting out to 70yards and just really enjoy shooting in general.
How old are you? How bad is your posture? Since you moved your peep, try putting it back where it was to start.
Hmm Im with Cantexian. It could be a coincidence but if it started after moving the peep I would move it back. It could be you are moving the weight of the bow to other muscles which is causing a flare up. Have you tried a hot compress or a hot bath and maybe some muscle relaxers. I hate taking anything but it might help. Purely speculation but it also could be a pinched nerve. A doctor should be able to pin point that. Hope you feel better soon.
54 will the body of an 80 year old and a mind of a 12 year old I'm 6'2'' 210 and have/had lower back issues so I try to keep my posture in check. Hit the gym pretty regularly.
I'm self medicating with some red wine every night I may try shortening may DL a 1/2'' and see what that does.
First move your peep sight back to original position and see if the pain goes away. If so great, if not and especially if it worsens, get it checked out. I am willing to bet that your shoulder posture is kyphotic which is contributing to poor neck alignment due to weak rotator cuff and rhomboid muscles. This can cause neck pain but should be checked out by a doctor if moving the peep back does not work.
Couple questions: How much back work do you do and how much chest and shoulder work are you doing in your exercise program? 'Are you working out and shooting on same days? How is your thoracic mobility? What lower back injurys have you had. What is your hamstring flexibility like? Everything runs in a chain and trying to see what could be causing issues? Where in your upper back/cervical area are you having pain? Is it on your brace arm our pulling side you are having pain? I am an exercise physiologist at the Cleveland Clinic so I'd like to help.
Shooting tonight I straightened my posture up and that helped a lot. I found I was letting my front arm drop and then was pushing my head down to get my nose on the string. Feel good so far.
I try to balance my workouts to hit all areas but not over do it. I'll workout at first light then would shoot a little after work. I'm always tights and have never been able to touch my toes. Couple of herniated disc in my lower back from improperly lifting stuff in my 20's. Hamstrings are always tight and so I never leave the gym without stretching them. Thanks
I ran into the same issue earlier this year. Have back issues from sports/lifting. Mine was due to my right hammy and right side of my lower back being extremely tight and just not noticing it. Started back stretching every day and stretching before I shoot and it seemed to help. A lot of times as stated above the cricks and pains will actually come from some other part of the body being tight.
I had the same issue but on the right. I saw a Physical Therapist and it was for sure a weak muscle balance due to older injuries and lifting issues. Eventually the thing that helped the most was a strengthening exercise. I would lay on my left side with a 15 pound dumbbell in my right hand with my elbow touching my ribs on my side not touching the ground. I would keep my elbow touching my ribs while lowering the dumbbell to the ground towards the stomach area and then reverse it back to full upright but again keeping the elbow touch the ribs at all times. Don't know if that makes sense or would help at all but I felt a difference within a few days. I guess what Im saying is you should go see a good Physical Therapist preferably a DR. of physical therapy. Oh I actually found a video... obviously use more weight then the vid and squeeze when you hit the top.
Yep, pitching caused most of my issues I have now. You can do a lot of band work as well. The dumbbell exercise is great just make sure that you are actually working your upper back muscles instead of your shoulder. You can also do this with both sides using 2.5 lb standard iron plates. In a standing position with arms locked out like a T and pinching your scaps back similar to video linked below.
