Sore and Stiff Neck Exercises

Do you suffer from a stiff or sore neck, specifically in the back region of the neck? A sore and stiff neck can result from various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious conditions. Here are some common causes:
1. Muscle Strain or Tension: This can result from poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or standing in awkward positions, such as working at a computer, looking down at a phone, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
2. Injury: Sudden movements or accidents, like whiplash from a car accident or a sports injury, can strain the neck muscles and ligaments.
3. Poor Posture: Consistently sitting or standing with poor posture can lead to neck pain. For instance, slouching or hunching over a desk for long periods can strain neck muscles.
4. Repetitive Motion: Activities that involve repetitive neck movements can lead to strain and stiffness.
5. Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis can cause the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck to deteriorate, leading to pain and stiffness.
6. Degenerative Disc Disease: With aging, the discs between the vertebrae can degenerate, causing pain and restricted movement.
7. Herniated Disc: A herniated disc in the cervical spine can press on nerves, causing pain, stiffness, and possibly radiating pain down the arms.
8. Cervical Spondylosis: This age-related condition involves the wear and tear of the spinal discs in the neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
9. Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, including in the neck.
If you experience severe, persistent, or worsening neck pain, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like fever, headache, numbness, or tingling in the arms, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Otherwise, here are 6 simple exercises you can do at home that may help!
1) Trapezius Stretch (0:12)
2) Levator Scapula Stretch (0:42)
3) Head Rotation Stretch (1:36)
4) Head Flexion Stretch (2:09)
5) Head Extension Stretch (2:47)
6) Sternocleidomastoid Stretch (3:24)
Actor Credit:
MJ Gordon ‪@marinjayden‬
Certified Yoga Alliance Instructor (RYP500, RPYT, Yin)
Certified Fitness Instructor NCEP
www.MJ-Gordon.com
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
www.FauquierENT.net
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#stiffneck #soreneck #neckpain