No one enjoys dealing with neck pain. It can prevent a person from doing the things they normally do. Much of the neck pain that people deal with is preventable or at least is something that can be dealt with. Learning how to do neck stretches is one of the best ways to prevent and to relieve neck pain. They are something that everyone can do and require no special equipment, a short amount of time, and very little effort.
Two Stretching Exercises for Neck Pain
If a person does have pain that in the muscles around the neck, simple stretching exercises can take that pain away. It will not work for everyone, and it may not work right away, but it can help when they are done properly. Like any type of exercise the key to learn the proper technique and to focus on doing it the right way.
- The corner stretch – Facing the corner of the room with both feet together about two feet away from the wall a person will place both forearms on the wall. The elbows should be just below the height of the shoulders. From that position, the person will lean into the wall as far as they can and hold that position for 30 seconds. It can be repeated three to five times.
- The levator scapula stretch – A person should grab their elbow and raise it above the shoulder and stretch from side to side. The elbow can be pressed against the door jamb. At this point, the person can turn their head away from the side that is being stretched as they bring their chin down. The other hand can be used to pull the head forward a little bit. This position should be held for about 30 seconds.
These two stretches can help relieve pain, but they can also prepare the neck for strengthening exercises. It may be a way to avoid neck pain in the future.