Thursday, October 1, 2009

Neck Exercises

The best way to prevent injury is by having strong, flexible muscles and joints which resist strain and injury. The back and neck likes movement. Putting the back in a static position for long periods of time, such as sitting at a computer screen for hours, increases the risk of back or neck strain. The best preventive medicine for neck and back strain is movement. Take frequent breaks away from the computer screen to stretch.

Below is a collection of simple stretching exercises for simple neck pain that can relieve some simple episodes of neck ache. A few can be used on the job to relieve neck strain.

Navigate below to the neck exercise of your choice by selecting from the following links:

Neck and Glide Extension
Acupressure Point
Neck Rotation
Neck Side Extension
Shoulder Shrug
Neck Forward Flexion

Neck and Glide Extension

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neck & glide extension

NECK GLIDE (middle photo): Start with neck straight. Slowly slide your chin forward. Hold for five seconds and return to starting position. Do ten times. NECK EXTENSION (right photo): Without arching your back, slowly move your head backward so you are looking upward. Hold for five seconds. Return to starting position (far left photo). This is a good exercise to do during work to prevent neck strain.

Acupressure Point

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acupressure point

Practitioners in acupressure have various pressure points located on the body. The points shown here related to chronic pain. By pressing and holding for several seconds, acupressure advocates believe a person can sense some relief of pain.

Neck Rotation

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neck rotation

Start by looking straight ahead. Slowly turn your head to the left. Hold for ten seconds, then return to starting position. Then, slowly turn you head to the other side. Hold for ten seconds. Return to starting position. Do ten repetitions. This is a good exercise to do during work, especially if you have to keep your head in a steady position for extended periods, as in working at a computer. Do this exercise every half hour to prevent neck strain.

Neck Side Extension

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neck side extension

Start by looking straight ahead. Slowly lean your head to the left. Hold for five seconds, then return to starting position. Then, slowly lean your head to the other side. Hold for five seconds. Return to starting position. Do ten repetitions. This is a good exercise to do during work, especially if you have to keep your head in a steady position for extended periods, as in working at a computer. Do this exercise every half hour to prevent neck strain.

Shoulder Shrug

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neck stretch

Start by looking straight ahead. Slowly raise both shoulders up. Hold for five seconds, then return to starting position. Do ten repetitions. This is a good exercise to do during work, especially if you have to keep your head in a steady position for extended periods, as in working at a computer. Do this exercise every half hour to prevent neck strain.

Neck Forward Flexion

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neck forward flexion

Start by looking straight ahead. Slowly lower your chin toward your chest. Hold for five seconds, then return to starting position. Do ten repetitions. This is a good exercise to do during work, especially if you have to keep your head in a steady position for extended periods, as in working at a computer. Do this exercise every half hour to prevent neck strain.

Posted: True Health Is True Wealth

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