Neck

I have just completed one set of sit-ups and as I was going to lie down to start my second set I felt a sharp pain on the back of my neck, I believed I have pull a muscle as my neck felt very uncomfortable, it is stiff and if I look down or turn left/right it hurt very bad. Is this something I should worry about and contact my doctor asap?

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

Chances are you simply performed the sit-up incorrectly. 80% of people, even some athletic trainers, over exert themselves and perform the sit-up wrong.

Do not put your hands behind your head during this exercise. You can give your hands "something to do" during the action by placing your fingertips very gently behind your ears. All in all, the hands and head should be fairly uninvolved during this exercise.

Straining your neck muscles is not necessarily something you need to contact a doctor for ASAP... Give it a couple days, take a hot shower or two, and the pain/discomfort should subside.

If the pain persists or intensifies after a few days, then you can call the appropriate provider.

Warm wishes,
AT