Short on time? Three stretches to help with neck stiffness

There are several stretches that will help you with neck pain and stiffness but if you are short on time make sure you hit these three main ones: 

Levator Scapulae: To stretch the left side, you will lean your head to the right, come forward 1-2 inches, then rotate your head down like you are going to smell your armpit. Feel free to move around in the area a little bit until you feel a great stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-4x. Right side do the same but lean your head to the left.

Here's a link for a video: https://vimeo.com/212679292

Upper Trapezius: To stretch the right side, lean your head to the left, bring your head forward 1-2 inches, then rotate your head upward like you were looking up at an airplane. Again, feel free to move around a little in this position in order to maximize your stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-4x. Left side do the same but lean your head to the right.

Here's a link for a video: https://vimeo.com/212683935

Front Neck/Scalenes: Put your hands on your clavical (the bones at the base of your neck) and hold down as you tilt your neck 1. straight back 2. back and to the left 3. back and to the right. Hold each for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-4x.

Here's the link for a video: https://vimeo.com/395329616

Make sure you are sitting up with good posture in order to maximize your stretches. 

We hope this helps! Please ask the doctors if you have any questions on your next visit. 

Prince William Chiropractic Clinic

Sources: Vimeo.com for videos

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be diagnostic or to be considered medical advice. At no time should you have pain with these stretches, stop if you are experiencing pain. If you have having neck pain, please see our doctors for an evaluation.