Do weak neck muscles result in tight hamstrings?

The human body is an intriguingly complex machine with parts that function together in harmonious order. Or rather, parts that usually function well together. However, when one part of your body is under stress and not functioning properly, the repercussions are felt in several other parts of your system in ways that you never thought possible. This may seem hard to believe, but is certainly true.

How does it work?

Research indicates that a lack of stability in one part of your body indicates instability and sets of alarm signals in the brain. The brain then takes appropriate action, inhibiting and facilitating different muscle groups the way it sees fit, controlling blood supply and sending of sensory signals. For example, when a person experiences fear from a stimulus and has to run away from something, the brain ensures that adrenaline is secreted and blood supply is diverted away from the stomach towards leg muscles to allow the person to run away with all haste.

Basically, the brain takes things very literally. If it detects a dysfunctional out of the ordinary movement pattern, it will figure out an alternative movement path and assume that something is wrong.

Weak neck = Stiff hamstrings?

This is exactly how things work in our body when it comes to seemingly unrelated body parts, like the neck and hamstrings. It has been found that a lack of stability in the neck muscles causes a reflex compensation in the hamstrings to take over the duties of the neck muscles. The weakness in the neck is perceived by the body to be a threat to the nervous system, which immediately deputes the hamstrings with the task of taking over the neck’s functions.

Need proof? A simple touch test can conclusively explain what we’re talking about. Keep your feet together and legs straight without bending them. Look down at your toes and bend forward to touch them without bending your knees. If your neck flexors are somehow inhibited, the nervous system will detect instability and immediately stiffen your hamstrings so that you don’t fall forwards.

According to Thomas Myers, a fitness writer, dysfunction in your inner core leads to compensation patterns, energy leaks, decreased force production and output power. In his words, “Your body will automatically steal stability for elsewhere to compensate”.

Are your neck receptors inhibited?

How do you know when to take action? Place your fingers at the base of your neck and tuck your chin in for about ten seconds. Place a softball under your neck and perform rotations in both directions, left and right, maintaining control of the ball. Do remember bot to clench your jaw. You can view the exercise here:

If you experience strain, pain, fatigue, uncomfortable sensation or the need to hold your breath while performing this activity, your neck flexors may be inhibited and require activation in order to correct.

How to set it right?

A few simple neck exercises can easily control the damage and speed up the strengthening and healing process. Remember that in order to gain stability, you have to consistently perform these exercises and drills repeatedly, for them to have some effect on your body. Pace yourself and perform a few of these drills to give your neck the strength it lacks. Some basic timed neck rotations, backwards, forwards, left and right will ease muscle soreness. Remember to exhale deeply and relax your muscles consciously between rotations.

Check out some simple neck drills here:

Remember, if your muscles don’t ease up, do visit a chiropractor who can help you relax your muscles and correct any posture issues that you might have. Do exercise the utmost caution while carrying these out.