Neck support

[simonpcroot]

Hi Rowers
Can anyone comment on rowing with a neck collar.
Or better still recommend a type

Background ime getting on now and worn out a machine on my second now ( been rowing 20plus years )

I am a Spark and had years of looking up but had to change my job as its given me disc degeneration and ostophites in my higher neck c4-c7
Just recently ive had a nerve impingement and currently not rowed since 24 Now ( i normally fo 7-8 k weekdays ) ime having physio on it at present. And he is saying rowing is not helping with my other problems in c4-c7 issue )
Want to try a collar of some sort to stop me moveing my neck head to much in the drive when i can get back to it. Any recommend ones or pros cons greatly appreciated
Thankyou

[electricstart]

I have a bad Neck had one disc replaced twenty years ago .Have plate with 4 screws to keep it together . They wanted to go back in repair, replace more discs bigger plate . No way I was going to do it so I decided to strengthen my neck muscles and it worked so far . I am 66 and been rowing three to four times a week with no problems . The brace will work but makes your neck muscles weaker and dependent on it .Iron neck makes a good device for stretching and strengthening neck it works I used it . You can use free weights ,trap bar . Bunch of stuff on you tube. Consult your doctor and a trainer first they should give a list of stretching excises first . What ever you do start slow and light if it hurts stop . You can even use a towel and do isometrics that's pretty safe. On the rower your neck should not move all that much your hips, abs and mostly legs should take most of the abuse . Neck you should be looking straight ahead at monitor .Could be the stop and go that is hurting you . Make sure your form is good . Good Luck

[Tsnor]

This ^^^^^^^