It's not unusual to experience neck pain at some point in your life. Neck pain is rarely a sign of a serious condition, but that won't help your neck feel better. Head rotation exercises are stretching exercises that improve your neck's flexibility. Stretching exercises for your neck may help alleviate pain by strengthening your neck muscles and improving your posture, which can help prevent repetitive motion injuries. Talk to your physician before attempting an exercise routine on your own.
Causes
Your neck muscles may become strained and begin to hurt if you have poor posture. Sitting hunched over a computer keyboard or slouching on the couch while you watch television can weaken the muscles that support your body. As your body ages, neck pain can be a common sign of arthritis. Neck pain also can be a sign of more serious injuries such as whiplash, and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and meningitis.
Benefits
Keeping your joints flexible is important if you suffer from neck pain, particularly for arthritis sufferers, and regular exercise is essential for keeping your joints flexible. You can improve your neck's range of motion by making gentle neck-stretching exercises part of your daily routine. Stretching exercises include head rotation, as well as exercises in which you bend your neck forward and backward, then side to side. Stretching your neck in as many directions as possible and holding the poses for 30 seconds may help ease neck pain.
Head Rotation
To perform head rotation stretching exercises, keep your shoulders in a natural position and turn your head as far to the right as your pain allows. The goal is to stretch your neck until your chin is above your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 3 to 5 seconds, then turn your head as far to the left as possible and hold for the same length of time. Remember not to hunch your shoulders. Repeat the exercise five times. All neck stretches should be done slowly and smoothly, particularly if your neck pain is severe.
Tips
Only do your neck exercises to the point where you can feel your neck stretch. Don't move your neck in a way that causes additional pain. Breathe calmly and evenly while doing your neck stretching exercises. Controlling your breathing helps relax your muscles, and relaxed muscles are able to stretch farther and benefit more from exercise.
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