We are constantly striving for stability in our core with the hopes of improving posture and relieving back pain. Don’t get me wrong, core stability is the foundation of all movements and should be a major focus for everyone. However, let’s stop neglecting neck stability.
Neck stability not only helps to maintain correct posture but can help relieve neck pain, upper back pain, and even headaches.
Strengthening and Stabilizing Exercises
Before I go over specific exercises, I would like to differentiate between the concept of strengthening and stabilizing as it pertains to exercising your neck. Strengthening involves moving against a force while stabilizing requires resisting movement under a similar force. When it comes to your neck, and the spine in general, it’s a good idea to focus on stabilizing exercises.
Simple Neck Stability Exercises
It is important to start any movement or exercise with good posture. For your neck this means shifting your head back so that (from a side view) the ear is directly over the shoulder and tucking your chin. The chin tucking is an essential part of this exercise so feel free to try this posture in front of a mirror to ensure that your posture is set correctly before moving forward in the exercise. While maintaining this posture apply pressure to the front of your head with your fingers. Resist movement in your head and neck for 5-15 seconds at a time depending on your ability level. It is important not to overdo it with the pressure you apply. The most important part of the exercise is maintaining perfect posture and neck alignment so make that your focus.
As always, professional help will make navigating this exercise safer and more manageable so feel free to message, email or call our office for more information about how we help people with things like neck stability.
