The vagus nerve stems from the base of the brain stem, moving down the neck to the abdomen. Damage or pain in the vagus nerve can be caused by pressure from muscles or tendons that are too tight or impede on the nerve. Neck extension exercises...
The neck can suffer a variety of ailments, including muscle strains, joint strains, fractures, nerve damage and arthritis. Neck extension exercises help to strength your neck and counteract the pain felt from everyday use. There are eight muscles...
When your neck aches and feels stiff, extensions and neck stretches will help get you moving again. Neck exercises are usually easy to do. But exercise experts say excessive training can do just the opposite. Get started with easy extensions, and...
A cervical extension machine treats neck pain caused by muscle injury or weakened muscles that constantly support the weight of the head. Weak neck muscles can result in headaches and poor posture, as well as pain in the neck area. A cervical...
The neck sling is a piece of exercise equipment used for strengthening your neck muscles through flexion and extension. Strong neck muscles help to keep your neck in place for correct posture and to support your head through dynamic activities...
According to the book "Anatomy and Physiology" by Elaine Marieb, neck extension is performed primarily by the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis, which act as a group to extend and hyperextend the neck. The upper fibers of the trapezius muscle...
Having healthy and strong neck muscles is especially important for athletes who compete in contact sports such as football to help them avoid injury. For non-athletes, the neck muscles do more than just hold your head and help you move your head....
According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, strength training the neck, trapezius and shoulders effectively reduced neck and shoulder pain in women office workers. Most neck exercises will work your erector spinae,...
Neck fat is subcutaneous, which means it resides just under the skin. Although subcutaneous fat does not raise the risk for unwanted chronic diseases, it does lead to embarrassment and low self-confidence. The good news is that you can melt away...
The goal of neck exercises is to keep your neck flexible and strong. The muscles in your neck are susceptible to the affects of stress. Stress results in the tightening of your neck muscles, which limits how far your head can move. Through the use...
Stretches for rehabilitation of neck spasms are permissible immediately upon experiencing pain as long as they do not make the pain worse. These stretches release tension and restore length to the neck muscles. Weak neck muscles also contribute to...
The muscles of your head and neck need to be stretched and strengthened like the muscles of the rest of your body. Exercises for the neck can increase strength and flexibility, promoting good posture and decreasing the possibility of neck pain and...
Strengthening the neck muscles through exercise can prevent neck pain, reduce neck tension and improve posture. Unlike other larger and stronger muscles, the neck should be trained using lighter weights, as placing too much stress on the neck can...
The neck muscles facilitate head movements, including extension, flexion, lateral flexion, rotation or some combination of these. You don't need particularly strong neck muscles to perform these movements, but performing neck exercises may help...
Whether caused by injury, poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or another reason, neck pain can be very aggravating. Depending on the severity, you might have trouble moving your head even slightly. The Mayo Clinic recommends gentle...
A physical therapist may suggest performing neck stretches to help treat chronic neck pain or to rehabilitate certain neck injuries. You may want to perform neck stretches to help prevent these conditions as well, even if you don't currently have...
It's easy to slouch, bend and hunch your neck forward while standing or sitting for long periods of time, sometimes without realizing it. Neck pain or strain results from poor posture. Range-of-motion, head lift, stretch and isometric exercises...
A strong neck is important, whether for sports like wrestling, improved posture or reduction or prevention of pain. Isometric exercises are those involve a contraction of the muscles without a change in their length. Most isometric exercises...
Machines that train the neck are typically built for one movement to target four specific areas and motions of the neck. By sitting in different directions, the four-way neck machine effectively mimics natural flexion, extension and both lateral...
Weighted head gear for neck exercises are called head or neck harnesses. Neck harnesses are all pretty much the same. You can buy them made of nylon or leather. The harness rests on your head like a bike helmet, and a chain hangs from the two...
The muscles in the back of your neck facilitate your neck's range of motion, allowing you move your head backward so you can look upward. Performing stretching and strengthening exercises that target these muscles can help keep them healthy and...
Isotonic contractions refer to the length of the muscle during a contraction. An isotonic contraction is one in which the muscle shortens while under a constant tension. This differs from isometric contractions in that, in an isometric...
A chicken neck is a derogatory term used to describe someone with a skinny or thin neck. This statement also implies that the neck is frail or easily snapped much as a chicken's neck would be. The main muscles of the neck are the trapezius,...
The levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid and trapezius are the main muscles that comprise the neck. The "traps" are the largish muscles that bridge the gap between your neck and shoulders. The levator scapulae runs down the back side of the neck...
Exercises for a big neck will build the muscles of your neck to strengthen them for sports such as wrestling, mixed martial arts and football. You can use a towel or a head-neck harness to perform neck exercises in the gym. The American College of...
The neck is primarily composed of the flexors, extensors, lateral flexors and rotators. Exercising these muscles requires performing the natural movement of the head with resistance. Types of resistance used to train the neck vary, but typically...
If you have stiffness, soreness, or fatigue in your neck that causes discomfort, you could benefit from a regular program for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck. Just like other muscles in the body, the neck muscles can become...
The neck includes the sternocleidomastoid and splenius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is located at the front sides of the neck and is responsible for flexing and laterally flexing the neck. The splenius muscle is located at the back of...
Strengthening your neck helps stabilize your upper spine and prevent injury. A strong, healthy neck also improves your posture and might be less susceptible to strain and pain. Perform a weight-bearing neck workout with the aid of a professional...