Basic Cause of Neck Pain during Pranayama
Neck pain can have causes that aren't because of underlying disease. It can be due to prolonged straining (looking up or down) of your neck muscles, during pranayama. And it happens usually that we naturally bend our neck slightly forward while sitting on a chair. If it is your working chair in office, this strain may be because of prolonged sitting with neck naturally bended forward. So, this may not be because of neck bending during your pranayama session. So, it is better to keep your back and neck straight during Alternate Nostril Breathing as well as Kapalbhati. You should stretch longitudinally in Tadasana, followed by neck forward & backward bending and rotation exercises as well as shoulders exercise for first few minutes before you practice pranayama.
Other Causes of Neck Pain
You have not clearly mentioned that you experience neck pain only during the pranayama. So, it can also be due to sleeping in an uncomfortable position, stress, or wearing heavy necklaces.
Treatment
- So, in that case, you can use alternating an ice pack with heat, several times a day for 30 minutes.
- As I have said earlier, this should be complemented with gentle stretching and massage as well. This may help to relieve neck pain.
- Progressive Muscular relaxation or yoga nidra on the yoga mat on the floor can also be tried for over all relaxation and healing the neck-pain.
- Always maintain good posture and sleep without pillow under the head, to prevent the neck pain.
When to Consult Doctor
However, if you have headache, numbness or tingling, or have pain that is continuing for last several weeks, or if the neck pain also radiates down the arms, or you feel neck stiffness, you may consult your doctor.
