Wide reciever, every time i turn to catch a ball, my neck burns, or "kinks" up. Any advice?

Question

I'm 15, one of our fastest wide receivers, so I have a lot expected of me, but almost every time I turn my head to catch a ball, the back right or left of my neck (depending on which way I turn) gets this burning feeling, or what my coach calls "kinks". Any advice on how to avoid this problem, or at least remedy it? Thanks

Answer 1

See a physical therapist.  

The "kink" in your neck is likely being caused by an impinged nerve in your neck.  A good physical therapist will be able to loosen the muscles pinching the nerve to relieve the initial pain and they'll also be able to give you specific exercises to do to strengthen the muscles in your neck to prevent it from happening again.

Answer 2

You're too young for me to suggest going to a chiropractor, but it might do you some good to ask your mom to give you neck massages.  You need to get your neck looser and stronger.  Make sure you're doing proper neck stretches before practice and games - you might ask the trainer to show you some good stretches.  

It also could help to turn your neck with more control, rather than whipping it around to see the ball.

Answer 3

run backwards

Answer 4

u probabalty have a stinger or pinched nerve... itll get better soon... u migte wanna go 2 see a doctor

Answer 5

You may have to see a doctor.

It is possible that you have an issue with the vertebrae in you neck

Answer 6

Better neck stretches at the beginning of practice will help. But if you've played football growing up this shouldn't happen. And it definitely shouldn't happen after the first week. It could be a sign of something else. If it continues to happen I'd see a doctor.

If it's your first or second year in pads, I'd chalk it up to not being used to the pads and possibly the tackling drills that I assume you do in practice.

Answer 7

I'm assuming you're stretching out properly before running routes?  If so, I would take considerable time loosening/stretching your neck muscles as it sounds to me that you're running as fast as you can and when you turn to see the ball flight, you're neck is kinking up because of the extreme stress your body is enduring when you run.

You may want to try rotating your torso/shoulders a bit when you turn to look for the ball as this will alleviate your neck muscles when you're running.  This action WILL slow you down a bit however, you will be able to turn more to see the ball as opposed to injuring your neck muscles and/or tendons by forcing your head to turn.

Spend a great deal of time (even at home) stretching you're neck muscles but don't force the stretch, do it easy as the neck muscles can sprain very easy.  You do it too much and the next thing you know, you'll be on the sidelines with a neck-brace watching your team play without you.

Hope this helps.