NECK EXERCISES

Many people suffer from uncomfortable stiffness or tension in their necks.  This may be caused by a lack of muscle tone, inflexibility, or by injuries to the neck area, such as whiplash.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this discomfort can be helped by participating in exercises which were designed to manage neck stiffness.  These exercises for neck stiffness are especially helpful for those who wish to improve their range of motion and flexibility.

Sit with good posture. Touch your chin with fingertips of one hand. Gently pull the chin straight back, away from fingertips, keeping chin level. This gently stretches the muscles on the back of the neck, and properly aligns the head over the shoulders. Relax, and repeat 2-3 times. (The movement should be quite small.)

With your neck in good alignment, bend your neck to the side, gently bringing your right ear toward the right shoulder. Slowly return to the upright position. Repeat 2-3 times on each side.

With your neck in good alignment, look slowly over one shoulder, pause for 2-3 seconds, then return to center. Repeat 2-3 times on each side.