How Do I Relax My Neck Muscles

People suffering neck pains are mostly victims of stress and modern lifestyles, and ought to be fully aware of what they should not to do, as much as what they should do. The neck is a highly sensitive area. Here the muscles and joints are far smaller and more refined compared to other areas of the body. This area is also harder to correct in terms of most structural problems. Unfortunately, it has been found that most conventional and even modern neck exercise for back and neck pains tend to worsen the problem.

Causes of neck problems also differ from person to person. This is why you must take a different approach for treatment as well. If you have a nagging pain in the area of the shoulders, neck or back that just won’t go away, the first thought is to resort to massage. It may feel great for a while, but eventually the pain returns and gets even worse. Even Allopathic medication works only as pain relievers and cannot correct the problem.

Here are a few things that may help relax your neck muscle:

• Breathing and Postural Awareness: The first step to neck relaxation is deep breathing. When your breathing is shallow, the muscles in your neck contract, instead of those in your diaphragm. Start by correcting your breathing. Breathe deeply with the use of your diaphragm, sitting upright at the edge of your seat, your feet placed firmly on the carpet. See that your knees are below your hips. Your hands should be on your thighs or belly. Now, close your eyes and, as you inhale, see how your belly rises and pushes out (into your hands). When you exhale, notice it recede. You will feel the tension in your neck relax, your neck muscles will start to feel lighter soon as you breathe from the belly.

• Arms Overhead With Strap: With the help of a Yoga belt or strap, raise your arms above your head. See that they are shoulder-width apart and that your palms are facing away from each other. If, in this position, you find it difficult or impossible to straighten your elbows stretch your arms wider on the belt. Now drop your chin into your chest and relax your neck muscles then pull the strap wide apart as far as you can. Hold the pose for 6 – 7 deep breaths, then relax and repeat twice.

• Downward Dog at the Wall: With your hands on your waist, stand facing the wall. Now walk back and bend into a table top position. See that with your feet are directly below your hips. Now press your hands into the wall and raise your sit bones up to the ceiling. If you feel a lot of stretching in your hamstrings, keep your knees bent a little. Focus on opening your chest and stretching your spine and retain the pose for 6 – 7 deep breaths.