Snowboarding Neck Pain: Causes, Prevention & Relief

Muscle strain

Snowboarding is a demanding sport that requires repetitive use of the muscles in your neck. When you snowboard, you are:

* Constantly turning your head to look for obstacles and turns

* Bending your head down to look at your board

* Extending your head up to look ahead

All of these movements can strain the muscles in your neck.

Ligament damage

Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones together. When you snowboard, you put a lot of pressure on the ligaments in your neck. This can cause the ligaments to stretch or tear.

Disc herniation

Discs are the soft, cushioning pads that sit between the vertebrae of your spine. When you snowboard, the pressure on your spine can cause the discs to bulge or herniate. This is a serious condition that can lead to nerve damage and pain.

Facet joint injury

Facet joints are the small joints between the vertebrae of your spine. When you snowboard, the pressure on your spine can cause these joints to become irritated or damaged. This can lead to pain and stiffness.

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the bones, ligaments, and discs of the neck. While it is not caused by snowboarding, cervical spondylosis can be aggravated by the sport.

Head injuries

Head injuries are a common risk factor for neck pain after snowboarding. This is because snowboarding can lead to falls and collisions, which can impact your head. Head injuries can cause a variety of symptoms, including neck pain.