What do you do when your neck always gets tight while you’re sitting at the desk, or in the middle of your work day? Try these fantastic stretches we give our chiropractic patients! The best time to do them is in the morning to start your day, but you can do them again any time you start feeling tight. Also check out these stretches for the neck and upper back: see our post here.
The following is a group of mobilizing and stretching exercises designed to increase the range of motion in your cervical spine (neck) and upper back. As you gain mobility in the neck you should notice greater movement and less stiffness.
| 1. Look down by gently bending at the neck. Let gravity slowly bring your head downward. Do not use your muscles to pull it down farther, and do not use your hands to pull the head down. Next bring the head back, letting the head slowly fall back so you look upward. |
| 2. Bend the head to the right, toward the shoulder. Do not rotate your head in this exercise. Again let gravity slowly bring your head downward. Repeat for the left side. |
| 3. Turn the head to the right gently until you feel tight muscles resisting. Then turn your head slightly farther and hold it there for the 5 seconds. Repeat for the left side. |
