Neck paincan have a number of causes, including muscle strains.
Strengthening and stretching exercises can help treat current neck pain orneck stiffness, and prevent it from recurring.
They can also improve your posture, taking the strain off your neck.
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It will also outline how to stretch safely.
Also, stop stretches or exercises if you experience increased pain or numbness or tingling down the arm.
Do the exercises that help you, and stop any that increase your pain.
Do each exercise slowly.
You should feel a gentle stretch, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Neck Stretch
Remember to keep your shoulders down while you tilt your head.
If you would likeadded stretch, gently use your hand to pull your neck toward your shoulder.
Breathing in gradually and exhaling slowly with the movement can help relax the muscles.
With isometric exercise, force is applied against a resistant object, creating tension that builds muscle without movement.
It’s best to warm up your neck muscles before stretching or exercising them.
Stretching exercises should focus on holding the stretch, building up to about 20 to 30 seconds if possible.
Your range of motion may increase over time with routine stretching.
Some find it helpful to stretch in the morning torelieve stiffness, and again at night before bed.
Some discomfort during the stretches is acceptable and even expected, but it shouldn’t be excessive.
You should feel gentle stretches, but it shouldn’t be painful.
They are also a tool for helping to improve posture, leading to less neck strain.
Always check with your healthcare provider before doing neck stretches or exercises.
Pay attention to your pain during and after stretching.
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