With the head in a neutral position, relax your shoulders. You may
want to review the shoulder stretch page, and stretch the shoulders
prior to stretching the neck. Often, neck muscles are tight because
the powerful shoulder muscles are tight and tense. To review, click
this link: Shoulder Stretches
Drop your chin to your chest, but
don't move your body. Hold for a few moments to feel the muscles
let go of the tension.
Bring your head slowly
back. Again, hold and feel the stretch. Keep your mouth closed.
Breath through your nose. Relax the tension you feel in your throat.
Bring your head back to center (picture
on left at top of page). Then drop your left ear to your left shoulder,
without lifting the shoulder, as in the picture on the right above.
Next, slowly move your head to the right, and hold on that side
for a few moments.
Now, roll the head in a slow circle
several times one way, then several times the other way. Do not
move your shoulders. Keep the mouth closed, keep your eyes open
when rolling to prevent dizziness, which may or not be a problem
for some people. Breath through your nose.
Return your head to the neutral position.
Disclaimer
It
is possible to injure onself in any physical activity. Consult
your physician if in doubt about your physical condition
before embarking on a stretching program. The author of
howtostretch.com accepts no liability for any injuries sustained
while practicing any of the stretches described within.
