Neck Posture Help

These days, many people look for neck posture help as a direct result of their regular daily lifestyle.Too often, the common daily tasks we all do without a second thought end up leading to neck pain and back pain - think about the hunched-forward position adopted for desk work or computer use as an example.

In fact, it's estimated around 80% of adults over the age of 40 suffer these pains, with many having to take time off work as a consequence.

The average head weighs anywhere from 10 pounds to 16 pounds so it's easy to understand how incorrect neck posture or misalignment (subluxation) can lead to pain and discomfort - the head is held forward of its natural line and, with the body trying to compensate for this weight shift, pressure is put on the muscles and nerves around the discs and between the vertebrae.

Neck posture help can be attained through a variety of sources including:

• manipulation techniques employed by specialist practitioners such as Osteopaths and Chiropractors
  
• specially-designed neck pillows that support the neck during sleep and help maintain the neck's proper curvature, literally providing neck posture improvement as you sleep
• exercises to improve general posture (such as yoga and pilates) or specific neck stretch exercises (see below)
  

Before purchasing a neck pillow you might want to look at your current sleeping situation; believe it or not if you sleep with two pillows you might be able to improve night-time posture simply by removing one of those pillows! This is because holding the head too high whilst laying down can actually put strain on the neck. It's a very simple - and free - remedy and worth a try.

Using stretches to improve neck posture helps you to help yourself. It's also a zero-cost option that can ensure you don't undo the benefits of using a neck support pillow.

Important: Do not jerk the head and do not ignore any pain - only stretch and rotate your neck up to the point where you feel the initial stretch.

When you first do this you should stand with your back to a wall. Once familiar with the routine it can be done anywhere, any time. Some people like to do this exercise in the shower as the warm water helps ease the muscles.

Step 1. Starting with your head back against the wall slowly bring your chin down towards your chest

Step 2. Slowly bring your head back from your chest to touch the wall

Step 3. (Again slowly) Move your right ear down towards your right shoulder and then do the reverse (left ear to left shoulder)

Step 4. Rotate your  head to both sides:  keeping the back of your head against the wall try to turn the head one way bringing your cheek close to the wall, then do the reverse rotation.

Hopefully, this basic exercise routine will help loosen your neck muscles, improve your neck's range of mobility and - most importantly - help reduce pain.

Remember, you can get neck posture help from a variety of sources. However, for a persistent problem it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional.