Weak neck muscles can cause poor posture and lead to stress, fatigue and chronic neck pain, report doctors at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While facial exercises don't necessarily improve overall fitness like neck exercises do, facial exercises can improve the appearance and reduce the signs of aging. Face and neck exercises also can be included in a relaxation program to reduce stress.
Appearance
The neck and face are the first areas that begin to show the affects of stress and fatigue. Since they are the most visible parts of the body, the neck and face also are the first areas that show aging. Poor habits such as frowning and slouching take their toll and can make you look even older than you are if the muscles are not exercised. Exercise also increases circulation to the face and neck and helps to fight off the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging skin.
Flexibility
Neck exercises help to keep the neck loose and prevent stiff neck. People who work on computers or any other lack of motion activity for extended periods of time will experience a greater degree of stiffness and pain if they don't have strong neck muscles to support their heads. Exercises throughout the day will help to alleviate stiffness and chronic pain that eventually leads to back problems as well.
Strength
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that exercises for the neck can help to prevent pain as well as assist in the healing process from a neck injury or surgery. A strong neck allows patients to hold their heads up longer and increase endurance. Exercises restore muscle function and keep the muscles from becoming overloaded when the patient gets up.
Pain relief
Facial and neck exercises can help alleviate and prevent pain, report doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to alleviating the direct neck pain, keeping the facial and neck muscles strong and relaxed also can help with sinus headaches and other pressure-related pain. Stretching exercises can keep the sinus open and reduce congestion. Stress headaches can be avoided by stopping to perform simple facial and neck stretches and exercises on a regular basis. The pain of chronic headaches can be relieved by relaxation exercises that teach patients how to control muscle tension when it arises.
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