Working in an office can certainly put your neck muscles in a knot! Our heads are the heaviest part of our body. The neck muscles have to support the weight of this heavy head all day! Can you imagine holding a dumbbell in your hand the whole day? What will happen to your arm muscles? They will of course get tight and sore. This is exactly what happens to the neck muscles at the end of the day if you are sitting for a long time.

Try these extremely effective 3 neck stretches

To avoid stiffness any time during the day repetition is key. These stretches should be repeated at least 2-3 times a day to be effective. Be gentle! Do not overstretch as it may cause pain.

Rotation

  1. 20170222 095926 min 1Turn the neck to one side as far as you can go and hold the position for at least 5 seconds.
  2. You may use your hand to provide extra gentle pressure but make sure it’s not excessive.
  3. Gently move the neck to the other side and hold that stretch too for 5 seconds.
  4. Repeat in each direction 2-3 times.
  5. Remember you should feel the muscles stretch but it shouldn’t be excruciating.

Lateral Bending

  1. 20170222 095930 min 2Try to touch your ear to the shoulder by slightly “pulling” your head until you feel the stretch.
  2. Use a slight over-pressure with the other hand but make sure you are not causing pain.
  3. Holding the stretch for 5 seconds.
  4. Then turn to the other side will effectively stretch the muscles on the side of the neck.

45 degree Flexion

  1. 20170222 095935 min 1Turn the neck to a 45 degree angle.
  2. Look down trying to touch the chin to your chest.
  3. Put one hand on the top of the head to slightly pull the neck.
  4. Making sure there is no pain.
  5. The other hand can be put behind the back to feel a good stretch right through the base of the skull.
  6. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds before repeating on the other side.