Hello all,

It has been a while, and I have been feeling good. I have had a lot of bumps (hanging lamps, bumping head while sleeping etc.) but I am now pretty good at shaking theese things off, although the bumps keep giving me symptoms for 8-10 days.

I have made a rule for myself, that I dont ask for reassurance or advice except if 10 days has gone. Just to be sure that its not just anxiety.

Now, 10 days ago I was trying to remove a tree stump from my garden. I used a big railroad hammer (Maul hammer in English?) to give it 20-30 hits to loosen it, but the stump is still standing!

But soon after my neck started to hurt and it is still sore. Its like it is just not working the right way. Whats worrying me is that I am getting a headache when I try to read and do tasks at the computer, and this problem is getting worse. My neck also gets tense and sore when I read.

Have anyone tried something similar, and should I think og it as a new injury or have I aggravated a existing one? At first I though nothing of it, but maybe the force from the hits was transferred to my neck and the many hits equals to a new injury? I am confused about it and hope for advice or experiences.

Best,

TheNorwegian

It does not matter if it is a new injury or aggravating an old injury. It may be an over-use strain or an actual injury. Treat the symptoms, not the cause. Swinging that hammer strains a large area from C-1 down to T-2 or even lower. I dislocated a rib swinging a splitting maul.

A physical therapist or chiropractor should be able to help you. In the mean time, focus on good upper back and neck posture when you relax or sleep.