Everyone should exercise their neck! We need strong, flexible muscles to support our heads. Stress and fatigue show up early in our neck muscles, causing pain. We may adopt poor positions that lead to chronic neck problems. Exercises can increase the strength and flexibility of the neck. There are three types of exercises.

The first gives us flexibility:
* Sitting or standing, tuck your chin in. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Turn your head slowly and look over your shoulder. Hold for a count of five. Return to the starting position and drop your ear to your shoulder. Hold for a count of five. Repeat three times then switch sides.
* Place your hands behind your neck, supporting the small curve. Slowly lift the center of your chest to the ceiling, bending your mid-back backwards. Hold for a count of five. Repeat three times.

The second type of exercise gives us strength:
* Sitting or standing, put your neck in a neutral position. Your head should be directly over your shoulders and you should be able to reach behind your neck and feel that you have a small curve. Slide your hand to the side of your head and with the palm of your hand begin to press against your head. Gradually press harder, but do not let any movement take place. Use your neck muscles to keep your head in the same place. Hold for a count of five, and release slowly. Resist your hand from both sides, the front and the back.
* Be aware of good posture and maintain this neutral neck position in all your activities.

The third type of exercise provides relaxation:
* Lie on your back, support the natural curve of your neck with a pillow or small towel. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth deeply three times, expanding your chest fully each time. Gently massage the top of each shoulder with the opposite hand.

Be sure to do each type of exercise every day to maintain the strength and flexibility of your neck.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go