Neck pain after squating?

[Jonson]

The last couple of workouts ive done, Ive had mild neck pain in the left side of my neck, around the collar bone area, which lasts a couple of days. the pain starts after squatting my neck feels stiff like I have pulled it.
Im convinced this is due to how I hold the bar, i use a narrow grip just like Rip reccomends in starting strength, lately this feels very uncomfortable.
Should I use a wider grip? or maybe a device like the Dave Draper top squat is whats needed?
Any advice please anyone?
Thanks Jonson

[Sleazy]

Where are you positioning the bar? High position (base of the neck) or lower position? (example of bar position: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/glen23.htm)

It could be a few things depending on where you position it, few ideas that come to my mind is leaning forward under the weight causing unnecessary strain on your neck as you try to correct your position. Also your grip might be too narrow so you don't have the best control of the weight causing the stress on your neck.

i use a narrow grip just like Rip reccomends in starting strength, lately this feels very uncomfortable.

When it comes to squats I recommend not trying to fit into a recommended grip, simply position your hands in a way that you feel gives you the best control of the weight throughout the squat movement.

[gymrat2321]

my step dad had the same problem. try using the smith machine for your squats

[Jonson]

Originally Posted by Sleazy

Where are you positioning the bar? High position (base of the neck) or lower position? (example of bar position: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/glen23.htm)

It could be a few things depending on where you position it, few ideas that come to my mind is leaning forward under the weight causing unnecessary strain on your neck as you try to correct your position. Also your grip might be too narrow so you don't have the best control of the weight causing the stress on your neck.

When it comes to squats I recommend not trying to fit into a recommended grip, simply position your hands in a way that you feel gives you the best control of the weight throughout the squat movement.

Hi sleazy
I have the bar in a low position on the rear delts, I have experimented with widths of grip and have found the narrow one to be the best for control, I have tape on the barbell so I get my hands and bar in the same position every time.
I will experiment further and see if I can find a more comfortable position.

Thanks Jonson

[Jonson]

Originally Posted by gymrat2321

my step dad had the same problem. try using the smith machine for your squats

Smith machine? Thanks for the suggestion but I dont own one, and after some of the nightmare stories I have heard about them I would not ever use one.

[iron_worker]

Ya the smith machine is a totally different movement all together. Don't bother. As for your neck pain, I agree it could be you're leaning forward too much at the bottom. Possibly cause you're ROM isn't quite there and you're simulating depth by leaning forward. These are all guesses btw, but I think it makes somewhat of sense.

Not to hijack but I've been experiencing mild numbness lately in my hands/arms after I squat.... wtf..