Question
hello i have been having pains in my trapezius muscles and lower neck, and cannot figure out how it happend, or how to fix it..i am a weight lifter, and im into working out..i do many shrugging exercises or exercises that incorporate the trapezius muscles..that could be what triggered the problem?..but i think it is sleeping on it funny which is doing it...i wake up every morning and i have a terribly stiff painful traps and lower neck..this has become a real pain too while driving i cannot turnn my head to the left very much b/c it stings too much...also when i put my neck down and look down it hurts on the left lower side of my neck...i dont know what i should do..should i get a neck massage from someone?.should i see a dr? any ideas on what u think i have, and also what i should do  

Answer
I don't believe it is all muscle related.  There are some muscle components, but the most likely reason for your neck hurting especially while bending is bony misalignment, or in my professional terms, a subluxation.  I suggest seeing a chiropractor that offers massage therapy in the same office.  You need both to truly resolve the issues.  I can't get any more specific on you exact problem without a proper exam.  If you are interested in chiropractic, go to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.  I am a member of this group and each of these doctors are great.  I am located in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be more than happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns, email me or go to my website at www.healinghandschiro.com.

Dr. Starbuck