Alleviating Constant Neck Tension

You've been typing for hours, holding the phone all day between your shoulder and ear, and you're stressed because you're on a tight deadline. Bottom line: your neck and upper back feel as though they've been shrink wrapped in plastic. Massage works, chiropractic adjustments help and so does a stiff drink and a vacation. But what about when you are at work? How do you break that tension, right then? Simple. Try this...

Sit up straight at your chair. Reach down and grasp the underside of the seat, or its rear leg with your right hand. Turn your head all the way to the left, then look down. With your left hand grasp the top back of your head. Don't pull, just maintain the left-look-down position. Lean forward and to the left to feel a mild stretch in your right neck area from the top of the shoulder blade to the base of the neck. Hold this position and isometrically shrug your right shoulder for 1 to 2 seconds. Gently release. Lean farther forward and to the left, feeling for the 4 to 6 on the RPE scale. Hold for 15 to 60 seconds. Gently release. Repeat for the other side. Do this stretch several times throughout the day as you take your regular breaks from sitting, phone and keyboard work.

REMEMBER

Take time now for good health or be forced to make time later for bad health.