Nowadays, we spend a lot of time in front of our computers and phones, and this habit has us holding our heads in one position for an extended period. This motionless movement pattern causes our neck and shoulder to strain, thus causing us discomfort and pain.
However, when you move in ways that realign your posture, you feel tension relief, reducing any neck pain you may be experiencing. A great way to relieve neck pain is to practice yoga. According to this Yoga for Chronic Neck Pain study, people with neck pain who practiced yoga for nine weeks experienced pain relief and functional improvements. This further suggests that yoga could be a viable treatment option for neck pain.
Take a look at some of the best yoga asanas for neck pain relief;
Yoga Asanas for Neck Pain Relief
Cow face pose
The Cow Face Pose can help loosen and strengthen a variety of muscle groups in your body. The pose may help you to correct your posture and balance your flexibility. It’s a great pose for those sitting most of the day at work, helping you relieve tension in your back, shoulders, and neck. It opens your hips and chest, which helps counteract the slump that you get when sitting. Here’s how to do the Cow Face Pose!
Upper Trapezius Stretch
The upper trapezius stretch is a gentle but effective neck stretch. The trapezius is a deep, superficial muscle that runs from the cervical to thoracic region on the back of the neck and trunk. When you constantly hunch your shoulders, the sides of your neck hold a lot of tension, and this yoga pose helps relieve it. Do some neck rotations to warm up your neck. Here’s how to do upper trapezius stretch.
SEE ALSO: The Yogic Practice: 8 Elements Of Yoga Explained
The Sphinx Pose
This pose is also good for people with neck and lower back aches as it has less arch and therefore reduces the pressure on the spine. The Sphinx pose helps strengthen the spine and stimulates the abdominal organs. It also expands the chest and shoulders. This yoga posture also helps in improving blood circulation while relieving the body of stress. Here’s how to do the Sphinx Pose.
Cat cow pose
Cat-Cow is a soothing transition between two poses that warms the body and stretches the spine. It stretches the back of the torso and neck while also opening the chest and encouraging slow, deep breathing. This movement, when coordinated with your breathing, relieves stress and calms the mind. This yoga pose also helps in the development of postural awareness and overall body balance. When done repeatedly, it brings the spine into proper alignment and can help prevent neck and back pain. Here’s how to do the Cat-Cow pose.
SEE ALSO: Yoga For Weight Loss: 5 Asanas To Help You Lose Weight
Standing forward bend pose
Standing Forward Bend is a soothing posture that will stretch your calves, hamstrings, and back muscles while also revitalizing your mind and body. This pose relieves neck and shoulder tension, as well as calms the mind and reduces stress. Here’s how to do standing forward bend pose.
Hey Joyfreshers, what are you best yoga asanas for neck pain? Has yoga help relieve your neck pain? Let’s discuss in the comment below;
