Cervical pain is a common problem that affects many people. It can be caused by various reasons such as poor posture, injuries, or even stress. Whatever the reason may be, neck pain can be a significant hindrance in your daily life.
Fortunately, there are several exercises that you can do to alleviate cervical pain and strengthen your neck muscles. This article will provide you with some effective exercises for cervical pain relief.
1. Chin Tucks
Chin tucks are a great way to stretch the muscles in your neck and relieve tension. To do this exercise:.
- Sit or stand up straight with your back against a wall.
- Tuck your chin in towards your chest, as if you were making a double chin.
- Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release.
- Repeat for 10 repetitions.
2. Side Neck Stretch
The side neck stretch is another effective exercise for cervical pain relief. It helps to stretch the muscles on the side of your neck. Here’s how to do it:.
- Start by standing or sitting up straight.
- Slowly tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then slowly bring your head back to the center.
- Repeat the stretch on the other side.
- Do this stretch 2-3 times on each side.
3. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
The shoulder blade squeeze is an exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles in your upper back and neck. Here’s how to do it:.
- Sit or stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together, as if you were trying to hold a pencil between them.
- Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
4. Neck Rotation
The neck rotation is a simple exercise that helps to increase the range of motion in your neck. Here’s how to do it:.
- Start by sitting or standing up straight.
- Slowly turn your head to the left, trying to look over your shoulder.
- Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly turn your head back to the center.
- Repeat the stretch on the other side.
- Do this stretch 2-3 times on each side.
5. Upper Trapezius Stretch
The upper trapezius stretch is an exercise that helps to stretch the muscles in your upper back and neck. Here’s how to do it:.
- Start by sitting or standing up straight.
- Place your right hand on the top of your head.
- Gently pull your head towards your right shoulder, using your hand to assist the stretch.
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then release.
- Repeat the stretch on the other side.
- Do this stretch 2-3 times on each side.
6. Levator Scapulae Stretch
The levator scapulae stretch is an exercise that helps to stretch the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Here’s how to do it:.
- Start by sitting or standing up straight.
- Tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
- Place your hand on the back of your head and gently pull downwards, adding a bit of pressure to the stretch.
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then release.
- Repeat the stretch on the other side.
- Do this stretch 2-3 times on each side.
7. Wall Angels
Wall angels are an exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles in your upper back and shoulders. Here’s how to do it:.
- Stand with your back against a wall and your arms at your sides.
- Slowly raise your arms up the wall, keeping your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Make sure to keep your back against the wall throughout the movement.
- When your arms are fully extended, hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
8. Scalene Stretch
The scalene stretch is an exercise that helps to stretch the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Here’s how to do it:.
- Start by sitting or standing up straight.
- Place your right hand behind your back.
- Place your left hand on the top of your shoulder, with your elbow bent.
- Gently pull your left elbow towards your right shoulder, adding a bit of pressure to the stretch.
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then release.
- Repeat the stretch on the other side.
- Do this stretch 2-3 times on each side.
9. Prone Cobra
The prone cobra is an exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles in your upper back and neck. Here’s how to do it:.
- Lie face down on the floor with your arms at your sides.
- Slowly lift your chest and arms off the ground, keeping your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Make sure to keep your neck in line with your spine throughout the movement.
- Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
10. Isometric Neck Strengthener
The isometric neck strengthener is an exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles in your neck. Here’s how to do it:.