So in the last few months, I’ve been getting really bad neck pain specifically on the right side of my neck after playing a round or range session. It’s like having a stiff neck from sleeping poorly but lasts for a long time. I know I’m probably doing something wrong in my swing. At setup, I tilt my head down. Since it seems to be more prevalent on the right side of my neck, I’m thinking it has to do with my follow-through as I have a tendency to lean my head to the right at the end. that a proper motion I should be doing? Was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and figured out what may be wrong in the swing? Obviously, it could just be my body and need to get checked out. Thanks!
top of page
bottom of page
Right side neck pain is actually not all that uncommon in golf. In my completely non-doctor opinion, I think the cause is due to the flattening of the shoulders during the swing...whether as the club is reaching the top of the backswing, or at the start of the downswing. Flat shoulders combined with the vertical nature of the golf swing (head looking down) do not mix well.
What I mean is the shoulders are level while the head is tilted forward / down. I believe that causes a pinching effect in the upper right neck area. You might want to video your swing to see if your shoulders are leveling out while your head is trying to stay down to hit the ball. IMO you want your shoulder angle to match your head tilt, if that makes sense.
Obviously I'm not a doctor but I've been there and done that. A video of your swing would also help your doctor.