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QUESTION:
Often, the day after I do my bench/incline/shoulder press day, I have
a sharp, nagging pain in the center of my thoracic right about between
my shoulder blades on the back. Anybody else get this? I think it is
from overdoing it on the shoulder press? Or maybe poor technique on
one of the above exercises? Anybody who's had this would know what
I'm talking about. I don't think it's a herniated disc because it
generally subsides, and I'm not using significant enough weight to
cause that degree of problem. More like a nagging, sharp strain to
one of the back muscles. It happens every couple months or so.
It usually goes away after a day, but it is sure annoying while it's
going on. Feels like a pinched nerve or something. Makes it tough to
turn neck to the sides or to tilt neck very far forward or back.
ANSWER:
I'd ask a doctor about this. A herniated disc, like anything else, gets
inflammed then calms down. You could have the beginnings of one.
In the meantime, the best remedy is often rest, so take at least 3 days
off and see how that let's you do when you come back.
Also, keep in mind that, since you cite the day _after_ as when you have
the pain, that you might be doing something post-workout, perhaps in
reaction to fatigue in certain muscles, that's actually causing the
damage. I know I sometimes get twinges in my lower back while standing
around after doing lots of ab work - it's because my abs are tired and
they're not doing their usual job of supporting my spine.
It could be poor bench form. I know as I start to lift heavier I have to
watch my form or I get all sorts of nasty cramps in my back. In my case my
back wants to arch a little and I insist on forcing my back into the
bench...
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