2 Simple Stretches/exercises for Neck/cervical Pain

Side Neck Stretch

There aren’t many tasks that require us to bend our neck from side to side. Yet the tension from daily stresses gathers in this very area, leaving these muscles tight and with limited range of motion for many people. This gentle stretch helps release tension from the neck.

1. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart and arms relaxed at your sides,start with your neck straight and eyes looking forward. Place your right hand on top of your head and slowly lower your right ear toward your shoulder until you feel the muscles fully lengthen on the left side of the neck.

2. Return to the start position to relax the neck. Then place your left hand on top of your head and repeat the stretch toward the left until you feel the tension on the right side.

Side Neck Rotation

We depend many times during the day on the ability of our neck to rotate freely—to look left and right before turning the car, or to quickly look over our shoulder when we hear something behind us. This stretch helps to improve this range of motion by exaggerating a movement we use so often.

1.Seated with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting on your thighs,start with your neck straight and tall and your eyes looking forward.

2. Begin the movement by slowly turning your head to the left until you feel tension in the right side of your neck. Return to the start position to relax the neck and repeat the stretch on the right side.