Neck Lengthening Exercises

Often when we are using the computer or reading or watching TV, we do not realize that our neck is not in the right position. This leads to accumulation of tension in the neck. When we are tensed, we do not really realize that the tension is accumulated in the neck. This causes the muscles in the neck to get weighed down and they tighten and shorten.

The tension accumulates in the back of the neck and the muscles in the front of the neck shorten. Doing neck lengthening exercises will not only help in lengthening the neck muscles but also relieve the accumulated tension from the neck.

Doing lengthening exercises for the neck helps in increasing the space between the vertebrae of the neck. Also, the other advantage of these exercises is that they help in reducing the accumulated fat around the neck and also the posture improves immensely. When you are doing neck exercises, it is important to remember that the neck muscles are rather delicate, therefore care should be taken while doing these exercises. Also, make sure that the muscles are not overstretched.

This is one of the simplest of the neck stretching exercises which can easily be done sitting at your desk as well. Sit straight with your chin parallel to the floor. Slowly bend your neck forward, as though you were to touch the chin to your sternum, however, do not lift up your shoulders for the same. Now slowly lift your head, as to touch the back of your head to your back. This is one repetition of the exercise. Repeat the exercise at least 5 to 7 times.

This next exercise can also be practiced sitting on an office chair, for which again you will have to sit with straight. Place the palm of your right hand just next to your right ear. Now push your head against the hand and the hand against the palm, as though you are trying to resist.

Hold the position for a couple of seconds and repeat the same on the other side as well. Once done, place the palm against the forehead and try to push your head into the palm and the palm into the head. The same should be repeated by placing the palm behind the head.

The next neck exercise is commonly also known as the prayer pose. To do this exercise, come down on all fours, with about one foot distance between your knees and feet. Slowly rest your buttocks on the heel and back of the legs and lower yourself to place your hands in front of you on the floor.

Try to reach your hands as far as you can, but without lifting your buttocks from your legs and place your forehead on the floor. Try to lengthen the spine from the base itself for better results. Stay in the position for a couple of counts and then release.

One of the neck growth exercises is the inversion exercise, which helps in lengthening the spine from the sacrum to the base of the skull. One can either choose to do this exercise by hanging upside down from a pole or practice the exercise on an inversion table. If you practice yoga, then you can also choose to do the yoga inversion exercise as well.

To do the last of the lengthening exercises for the neck, stand up against the wall. Place the small of the back and the back of the neck against the wall and apply gently pressure, however, ensure you are not overdoing it.

Neck lengthening exercises should be practiced regularly for better results. Also, before you start practicing neck exercises, it is best to consult your health care professional, as there are some exercises which are not recommended for some kind of ailments. For example, people with hypertension should not practice the inversion exercise.