Ease that nagging pain in the neck

The next time you find yourself sitting in a chair, try this isometric stretch to loosen tight neck muscles. It’s a simple and effective way to reduce nagging aches and pains that wind up making the tops of your shoulders and the sides of your neck feel stiff. Repeat this move throughout the day or whenever you begin to feel tension.

*

1 Sit upright on a chair or bench. Place your feet firmly on the floor. With your left hand, hold onto the leg of the chair, below seat level. Place your right hand on your head, slightly toward your left ear. On an exhalation, press your head against the pressure of your hand without moving your head. Do not pull your head to the side yet. Continue to maintain this pressure while you take three slow, deep breaths.

2 Breathe once again. This time, as you exhale, gently stretch your right ear to the right shoulder. You should feel a deep stretch in the left side of your neck. Tuck your chin slightly to feel it more. Make sure that both shoulders stay level as you stretch your head to the side. Firmly hold the left leg of the chair to anchor your left shoulder down. Hold this stretch for six breaths and repeat on the other side.

*

-- Karen Voight