Written by the authors of IdeaFit.

In our high-stress, hurried world—filled with financial pressures, information overload, “terror alerts” and sleeplessness—many people feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Add to this emotional tension the physical stress of sedentary lifestyles with long hours spent hunched over computers and, all too often, the result is a serious pain in the neck.

What’s more, the problem doesn’t stop there. Chronic neck pain is linked to a host of related disorders, including headache, jaw soreness, and pain radiating into the shoulders, upper back and arms. In addition, the slumped posture that can lead to neck pain may also compress internal organs, contributing to digestive, circulatory and respiratory problems.

As a mind-body practice, yoga offers powerful tools to help relieve and prevent neck pain. Physically, yoga postures help stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones and teach proper alignment, which relieves strain on the neck and shoulders. Psychologically, yoga is a potent stress reliever that also encourages awareness—a process that sheds light on habitual stress patterns and emotional reactions and can help us move with diligence and compassion in the direction of health. Energetically, yoga breathing enhances vital energy and recharges the entire system.

Essential Postures for Neck and Shoulders

The following postures can be particularly useful in helping prevent and relieve neck pain:

Mountain Pose. This pose teaches the basics of proper alignment. Stand with feet hip width apart, weight evenly distributed on both legs. Lengthen up through the top of your head—as if it was magnetic and the sky above you held a powerful magnet. Relax your shoulders down away from your ears. Imagine there is a light at the center of your chest and shine it forward, not down. “Stack your joints” so that if someone looked at you from the side, they’d see your knees over your ankles, your hips over your knees, your shoulders over your hips, and your ears over your shoulders.

Shoulder Shrugs and Circles. These movements relax tension in the neck and shoulders. On an inhalation, shrug your shoulders up toward your ears, then exhale and drop them down. If you like, make a “ha” sound on the exhalation. Make slow, easy circles with your shoulders, being sure to go in both directions. Then “bicycle” the shoulders, one circling clockwise while the other circles counterclockwise. Move slowly and mindfully—do not rush!

Dragonfly. This pose strengthens muscles in the back. Lie belly down with forehead or chin on the floor, arms at the sides. On an inhalation, lift up the head, neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and legs. On an exhalation, relax down. Repeat several times, moving with the breath. If you like, turn your head to one side when you relax down, then bring your head back to center when you come up; turn the head to the opposite side on the next exhalation down. Continue for 6–10 slow, easy breaths, synchronizing your movement with your breath.

Supported Backbend. This pose stretches muscles in the front of the neck, shoulders and chest. Place a block under a bolster and rest back onto this support, keeping your knees bent and feet on the floor. Use a towel or blanket for extra support, if necessary, to maintain the natural curve in your neck. Allow your arms to open out to the sides and relax down, stretching out the front of your shoulders and chest. Set a timer for 5–10 minutes, as you allow your breath and gravity to invite your muscles to relax, release and let go.

 

Group exercise at the NAC spans 5 dedicated studios offering over 200 classes per week taught by 75 dynamic, professional instructors; including a total mind body wellness practice. All group classes are included in your NAC membership.

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