Considering just how much time people spend looking down at their tablets and smartphones, it’s no surprise that neck pain is a frequent problem. That doesn't necessarily mean discomfort is inevitable for those who want to enjoy modern conveniences, though. If your neck is always sore after a long day, the following stretches can provide immediate pain relief—and strengthen the muscles over time to prevent future discomfort. 

3 Simple Stretches for Relieving Neck Pain 

1. Shoulder Roll

While standing, raise your shoulders and then roll them forward six times. Return your shoulders to their normal position, pause for a moment, and then raise them again. Now, roll them backward six times. This stretch will help relax the upper body’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are contributing to neck pain caused by overuse or poor posture. 

2. Side Rotation 

While sitting or standing, straighten your back and gently turn your head to the right until it stretches the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat with the left side, and perform each set up to ten times in a single stretching session. 

3. Hand Clasp

While sitting up straight or standing, clasp your hands and place both palms at the base of the skull. Hug your head with your arms, and apply gentle pressure with your hands as you try to point your elbows to the ground. Let the shoulders relax so they're not up by your ears, and hold for 30 seconds. 

If these stretches don’t provide relief, it may be because they're not addressing the underlying cause of your neck pain. If this happens to be the case, turn to Nobbe Chiropractic Clinic for a comprehensive evaluation. Located in Columbia, IL, this practice is led by two seasoned chiropractors who have more than 60 year of combined experience in the field. A family-oriented office, they were founded in 1976 and have been treating patients of all ages ever since. To request an appointment, reach out online or call (618) 281-4000.