1. Pain in the Neck
Many people experience neck pain due to stress, and it can be a particular problem for those who spend all day sitting at a computer. Gently stretching the neck several times a day can help to relieve stiffness and help attain stress relief. Perform each neck-stretching exercise with your arms hanging comfortably at your sides. Perform each neck stretch to the point of feeling mild tension only. Don't add to the strain by pushing your muscles too far.
2. Put the Ear to the Shoulder
Looking straight ahead, tilt the head to the side as if trying to rest the ear on the shoulder, and hold for 10 seconds. Release for a few seconds and repeat, this time using your hand to apply gentle pressure to the side of the head to increase the stretch a little more.
3. Roll for Relief
For the next stretch, start by repeating the head tilt exercise. Roll the head forward and around to the other shoulder, but do not roll your head backward. Repeat in the opposite direction. The muscles at the base of the neck will get a nice gentle full range of motion stretch just from doing it side to side.
4. Lend a Hand to Stretch a Little Further
Turning the head to the side, as if looking at something on the right or left, is another way to stretch the neck muscles while at work. Hold each side for 10 seconds, and then add a little pressure on with your hand to stretch the muscles a little further.
5. Prevent Headaches Too
It's also helpful to get up from your desk at least once an hour, walk around and do shoulder shrugs and shoulder rolls. Keeping your shoulders relaxed and stress-free as possible will help keep your neck pain--free they're all connected! Adding this in addition to doing each of the neck pain exercises every few hours, and much of the pain, stiffness and even headaches experienced by the end of the workday should dissipate.
Member Comments