Self help for a stiff neck

Neck cramps, also known as a stiff neck, generally occur when the neck muscles weaken over time due to overuse or poor posture. An example of over use of your neck muscles, is when we are doing abdominal exercises and start to feel it in you neck – if this happens remember you are exercising your neck not your abdominal muscles!   If you regularly get a stiff neck then consider your posture when you use a computer, drive or look at your smart phone. 

When You have a Stiff Neck Self Help Procedure

1. Find the sore spot and place one hand over it.

2. Firmly push into the affected area with your fingers, but not hard enough to cause a sharp pain.  Any pain should feel like a good pain as its accompanied by a sense of relief or release.

3. Turn your head slightly in the direction opposite of the cramp and bend it diagonally.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 around 20 times.

 

If you find you can’t quite hit the spot then why not book in with us.

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