Neck exercises are not just for those who have a stiff neck after sleeping. As long as you are sure there is no injury to the neck or the upper vertebrae, you can do some exercises to improve the functionality of the muscles there. By strengthening those muscles, you may also see improvement with overall neck pain, upper shoulder pain and upper back pain.

Some of the neck exercises that you can do will improve the function of the neck a great deal. Many are easy to do. For example, one that can improvement many of the muscles in the neck region is this one. Align your head normally, even with your shoulders. Then, extend it outward, pushing forward. Hold for five seconds and return to the standard position. Do the same thing again, but this time, push backward.

Another exercise that is helpful is to sit in a chair and sit straight up. Without moving your shoulders, try to put your ear onto your shoulder. Don’t force it, but don’t move your shoulder to touch the ear. Hold this position (as far as you can go towards that direction) for about five to ten seconds. Release and repeat with the other shoulder.

Rotating the head in a full circle around can also be helpful. This is especially helpful for those that need to stretch out these muscles prior to any type of other exercise. If you have chronic neck pain, try to do this exercise each morning, to help the muscles to be more pliable and relaxed throughout the day.

There is no limit to the amount of neck exercises you do, but you do have to be cautious of your neck pain. Muscle pains are common and these can be overcome with exercises. On the other hand, you may struggle or worsen the condition if you have an injury to the spinal column.

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