my neck

[runwithme]

What are some good exercises for my neck? I have had some pain in my neck lately and just want to strengthen it. What exercises do you do?

[angie828]

Stretch it. I will raise my left hand over my head and hold my head down for a few counts. This will really help if you have neck pain. Or try to look side to side or up and down if you can.

[bruteforce]

Now that the Doctor has cleared me to work my neck and upper back hard again, shrugs, deadlifts and power cleans have been helping to keep it feeling better. Over time I'm hoping the increased muscle mass will help keep me from re-injuring it.

[Bodybygamma]

Travel stick or rolling pin. Tennis balls in a sock. Deep tissue massage. Nsaids like advil or ibuprofen. Hot/Cold contrast showers. I do safety squat bar and front squats for my neck as well as db snatches and behind the neck presses.

[Jamesw]

common neck issues come from the scalene muscles. Look up and extend your lower jaw as far as you can without pain. Hold and breath deeply.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by runwithme

What are some good exercises for my neck? I have had some pain in my neck lately and just want to strengthen it. What exercises do you do?

Pain in the neck may not be due to weakness, remember that tighter muscles can also cause pain/discomfort. It also depends what sort of pain you're experiencing and where exactly in the neck, side, back more to the front etc.

It could just be a matter of needing to loosen up the muscles and not about strengthening them or tightening them up further.

All of the above answers are great and cover both points, it's just a matter of you selecting the best option based on what you're experiencing.

[PrimalBeard]

All great advice above, one thing I didn't see mentioned:

Pay attention to how you're laying when you go to bed and when you wake up, and posture through out the day.

If your head is too angled (depending on if you sleep on your side, back, or front) get a better pillow. I've seen quite a few people have massive neck pain and headaches if their neck isn't in a good position while sleeping.