Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 5/7/2007

Question
I dont think this is too serious but can you tell me what the problem is.I have been lifting weights for 7-8 years and I have this niggling problem for a year or 2 and its been getting slightly worse.Basically when I train with weights I get this sore feeling on the left hand side and back  of my neck that spreading into the back of my shoulder a bit.its not a sharp pain but a dull fatique type of pain thats worse when I do higher reps,worse when I do supersets and worst when I do bicep exercises.Also even though I feel it ever so slightly when im not training like wehn I have my arms outstreched reading a news paper or carrying a shopping bag with my left arm its when I train with weights thats when I get most bother, in fact when ever im finished a set and put the weights down.I get immediate relief and the pain subsides.That part of my neck is very very tight so its probably just a joint issue and im thinking of seeing a chiropractor or physio for 4 weeks and stopping weightraining for that long to get it sorted, do you have any thoughts on what this is?

Answer
Hello Mark,

  You may want to see a doctor of chiropractic.  You may have a facet (posterior joint of the spine)irritation.  Chiropractic care may speed your healing and reduce muscular tension around the spine and neck.  You may want to seek a chiropractor who specializes in Soft tissue/ Sport injuries, they will most likely combine specific soft tissue work around the affected joint and adjust the joint back into postion to help the biomechanics of the joint and help alleviate nerve irritation.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.