If you experience occasional neck pain, then you will want to try yoga for neck pain. A few targeted exercises can help relax your neck and relieve the pain in the comfort of your own home.

When to See a Doctor -

If you experience any of the following then skip the yoga and go directly to a doctor or chiropractor for treatment.

” The pain lasts more than three days
” The pain is severe
” The pain is a result of an injury
” The pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
” The pain radiates down your arms, back or legs

If you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms then you can feel safe trying yoga for relief.

Yoga Exercise #1: Neck Stretches -

The key to all yoga is correct breathing. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper breathing throughout all the exercises. For neck stretches, do the following:

” Sit on the floor with your back straight and your head in line with the back
” Exhale while lowering your chin to your chest
” Inhale and bring your head back up
” Repeat the process 5 times
” Exhale lowering your head to your left shoulder
” Inhale and bring your head back up to a neutral position
” Repeat on the right side
” Repeat the shoulder series 5 times

Yoga Exercise #2: Neck Circles -

Neck circles are done slowly over the course of several breaths. In addition, only roll your head forward not backward:

” Exhale and lower your chin to your chest.
” Inhale and roll your head to the left shoulder
” Exhale back to the center
” Inhale and roll head to the right side
” Repeat the sequence 5 times

Yoga Exercise #3: Shoulder Shrugs -

This exercise loosens the muscles around the neck, relieving built up tension. Again, follow the breathing pattern for best results.

” Inhale and bring your shoulders up as high as comfortably possible
” Exhale while lowering your shoulders slowly
” Inhale as you roll your shoulders up and forward
” Repeat 5 times
” Exhale as they go down and backwards
” Repeat the rolls 5 times

Yoga Exercise #4: Chest Stretch -

This exercise will loosen your chest and shoulder and melt away the tension. You will want to start in a standing position with your hands laced behind your back.

” Exhale as your bend forward
” Inhale as you raise your hands as high as comfortably possible.
o Do not unlace your fingers
o Hold for 3 or 4 breaths
” Exhale as you slowly lower your arms.
” Repeat the process 5 times
o You do not have to return to the standing up position until you are through.

When Yoga Does Not Work -

If you have tried the above stretches and they do not help, then you will want to visit a qualified chiropractor. A chiropractor can tell if the neck pain is associated with a misalignment in the neck, pinch nerve, or muscle spasms. Look for a chiropractor that can give same day appointments and who will greet you in a friendly manner.

HealthSource would like to present you with a limited time complimentary consultation, a $179.00 value. To Find the closest chiropractic office near you, go to Locations.HealthSourceChiro.com or call 1-888-977-6734 today.