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Find out how flexible you areNeck pain can arise when we clench our teeth a lot, though other symptoms such as headaches are perhaps more common. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any specific exercises to help with this problem, though some general stretches for the neck may ease tension. I've listed some options below but be sure to do these slowly and stop if there is any pain or discomfort.
- Standing, drop your head to one side while continuing to look ahead. Hold for 10 seconds then swap sides. Repeat twice more each side. To increase the stretch, drop the opposite shoulder.
- Standing again, lower your chin to your chest, hold for 10 and then look up to the ceiling and hold for 10. Repeat twice more.
- Next, standing straight again, look over your right shoulder and hold firm for 10 seconds, then over your left shoulder for 10. Repeat this 3 times.
- Finally, while sitting upright, push your head forward and hold for 10, then all the way back and hold for 10. Repeat another 5 times and that's your 5 minutes done.
A dentist may be able to supply a mouth guard to help with teeth grinding, plus they can help to determine if this is the problem in the first place. I would, therefore, recommend seeing your dentist if the stretches fail to bring any relief.
It is also worth remembering that other issues, such as injury or RSI, can contribute to neck pain. Therefore, if the problem persists it could be worth visiting your doctor for some advice.
Do you have questions? Please feel free to ask.
Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
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