Easy Stretch for Neck and Shoulder Pain
How do I release tension in my neck and shoulders?
Do you ever just feel like you have so much tension in your shoulders that you just can’t get rid of? Well, today I’m going to show you how. I’m Dr. Kara Penson and I work at HealthWorks: A Family Wellness Center in Plano, Texas.
Try this easy stretch for neck & shoulder tension or pain.
Today we’re going to be talking about how if you ever feel like you have tension across your shoulder blades and up into your neck, right around this area, that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Well today, I’m going to show you an exercise that we do to help alleviate that tension. All you need for this exercise is to have a chair. You’re going to reach your arm underneath and grab the bottom of that chair. Then, you’re going to take your ear to your shoulder as far as you can comfortably, and then you’re just going to let your head drop forward. Now, from this position, when you get in that position, you’re just going to take your hand and apply some downward pressure so you feel that stretch right through this area. Again, you’re going to hold onto the bottom of your chair and then apply this pressure straight down and you should feel that stretch right along your neck and into your shoulder.
If you are doing this stretch regularly and still have chronic tension or pain in your neck or shoulders then it’s time to see a professional. A common underlying cause of neck and shoulder tension is something called “military neck” or loss of cervical lordosis. Our HealthWorks team did a video on this topic which you can check out here.
Let me know how the stretch works for you and leave a comment down below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the quickest neck tension relief?
Shoulder shrugs held 5 seconds, then neck side-bends provide fast relief. Add gentle head rolls and doorway chest stretches for complete upper body tension release.
While stretches provide temporary relief, HealthWorks addresses the alignment causing recurring tension.
How often should I stretch tense shoulders?
Every 30-60 minutes during computer work, holding stretches 15-30 seconds. Morning and evening routines of 5-10 minutes prevent tension accumulation throughout days.
Combine regular stretching with our upper cervical adjustments for lasting tension relief.
Why does neck tension return daily?
Poor posture, stress, and cervical misalignment perpetuate tension cycles. Without addressing root causes, muscles continuously tighten protecting unstable joints.
Break the tension cycle permanently with precise corrections at HealthWorks Plano.