Shoulder/neck pain mid-run

[Guest Newell29]

Frequently, about halfway or towards the end of my run I get a sharp, almost cramp-like pain in the area where the neck and shoulder meet. It's a muscle pain and I've found that rolling my shoulders eases it somewhat, but other times it's just plain debilitating. Any ideas/suggestions to prevent this?

[Timb113]

Do you get tense when you run? It sounds like it might be a cramp because your muscles are tight while running. Try to let your upper body muscles relax as much as possible when running.

[AllyBo123]

I get the same thing. I slow down, take some big breaths and a little stretching and helps. I know I have a lot of tension in my upper and shoulders.

[Guest TrishE]

Timb113 is most likely right. While your running and its difficult to breath your muscles will tighten up in your shoulders and back because youre bodys fighting to breath. Remind yourself to keep your shoulders relaxed and your back as relaxed as possible while you run, especially when youre starting to feel pain because your body will do it without your head realizing its happening. 

[Maizie88]

I'm quite tense in my shoulders normally and I always like having a cold compress on it after a work out or even just a long day at work. Helps with the pain.

[jellodirt]

Could be a heart attack.

[momsforfitness]

I had a lot of shoulder issues when I trained for my half-marathon. I ended up seeing a PT who gave me some great exercises to help strengthen and stretch the area. Plus she was able to work it out and dig in there to help relieve some of the inflammation much better than I could by myself. I also suggest you invest in a good foam roller. It will help ease shoulder soreness and any other area that needs attention. Good luck!