4 Stretches to Relieve a Tight, Sore Neck

4 Stretches To Relieve A Tight, Sore Neck

Neck pain is incredibly common and can originate from sitting, looking at our phones and computers, and poor posture. These stretches will help relieve your neck pain and increase your mobility.

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1. Alternating Ear-to-shoulder

Begin in an upright standing position. Tilt your head to one side and hold the position for 2 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the other side.

Alternating Ear to Shoulder - Stretches to Relieve a Tight Sore NeckAlternating Ear to Shoulder

Start off with one set of 5 repetitions on each side. Perform the exercise in a smooth, controlled movement with a good stop at the end position, ideally holding for 2 seconds. The intensity is light.

The purpose of this exercise is to stretch the opposite side of the neck and also to work on the movement and mobility in the neck when it comes to side-to-side direction.


2. Forward Head Fold

Begin the stretches to relieve a tight sore neck in an upright standing position with your head, shoulders, hips and legs in proper alignment. Drop your chin toward your chest bone slowly and hold the position for 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement.

Forward Head Fold - Stretches to Relieve a Tight Sore NeckForward Head Fold

Start off with one set of 2 repetitions on each side. Perform the exercise in a smooth, controlled movement with a good stop at the end position, ideally holding for 10 seconds. The intensity is light.

The purpose of this exercise is to work on loosening the muscles in the back of the neck and also to work on the movement and mobility in the neck when it comes to forward direction.


3. Neck Retractions

Begin in an upright standing position with your head, shoulders, hips and legs in proper alignment. Slowly bring the chin down and back to elongate and bring the entire head back. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement.

Neck RetractionsNeck Retractions

Start off with one set of 2 repetitions on each side. Perform the exercise in a smooth, controlled movement with a good stop at the end position, ideally holding for 10 seconds. The intensity is light.

The purpose of this exercise is to work on stretching the muscles at the base of the neck and also to work on the movement and mobility in the spine in the back direction.


4. Slow Neck Rotations

Begin in an upright standing position with your head, shoulders, hips and legs in proper alignment. Look straight ahead and then rotate your neck to one side. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement.

Slow Neck RotationsSlow Neck Rotations

Start off with one set of 5 repetitions on each side. Perform the exercise in a smooth, controlled movement with a good stop at the end position. The intensity is light.

The purpose of this exercise is to work on stretching the muscles in the neck especially when it relates to rotating to one side and also to work on the movement and mobility of the neck when it relates to a rotation.

Give these four stretches to relieve a tight sore neck a go and choose what exercise targets your neck pain best.

For your comprehensive guide to eliminating neck pain, check out Neck Pain Solved, here!

Neck Pain Solved