It’s possible that you don’t realize the extent to which you utilize your neck , until the area begins getting hurt. If you tilt your head and you feel intense pain or you’re suffering from the occasional ache that doesn’t disappear, performing certain neck exercises can assist in getting the job done — and bring the hot spot of tension to the glory it once was.
The benefits of exercises for the neck are the same as those you’d get from exercises that target other areas of your body, such as increased strength, muscle endurance and increased range of motion and pain relief, says Helen Goldstein, DPT, NASM-CPT, an expert in physical therapy using FlexIt. In addition the neck exercises can help improve your posture as well as relieve discomforts from work, those you may suffer from after sitting at your desk for hours, Goldstein explains.
Although you may to experience neck tension or pain due to a variety of causes, Goldstein notes that a frequent cause is sustaining an incorrect or unbalanced posture for prolonged durations in period of time (think the forward tilt of your head). “Strengthening by stretching and stretching neck, along with strengthening the muscles around it like the shoulders and the upper backcan assist in correcting your posture, and reduce the discomfort you may feel,” she tells Bustle.
Tony Matoska, PT, DPT, CMPT, a physical therapy therapist from Athletico Physical Therapy, says that neck pain is likely to diminish when you begin exercising in the event that you adhere to the program. “Gentle stretching can be performed often throughout the day, as required,” he tells Bustle as well as strengthening exercises that can be done between two and three times per week. For a start, pick some exercises from the following list, and then, hopefully, those aches are no longer discomfort in your neck.
Studies referenced:
Mahmoud, N. (2019). The relationship between forward head posture and neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6942109/
Sal-o, PK. (2010). The impact of training for neck strength on the health-related quality of life for females suffering from persistent neck pain. A randomized followed-up study that was controlled for a year. Health-related Quality of Life Results. PMID: 20465854; PMCID: PMC2877013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2877013/
Sources:
Helen Goldstein, DPT NASM-CPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Tony Matoska, PT DPT, CMPT Physical therapy
Lesline Pitmann, wellness coach
Ryan Todd Lloyd, DC, chiropractor
Mara Kimowitz, stretch expert
Dawn Rivers, yoga instructor
Kim Trimmer, M.Ed. C-IAT, ERYT 500, C-IAT Yoga teacher and therapist
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