"Poor Neck Alignment Leads to a Weaker Neck"

Neck posture is extremely important. Our bodies are made so that we can move, twist, etc … and also so we stay as strong as possible. We are always fighting the pressure of gravity!

We Can't Escape Gravity, Keep Your Spine Aligned!

Not only does adequate spine alignment mean limited nerve pressure which will help us to stay healthy and pain free, but it also helps us withstand the downward pressure gravity puts on us.

By investing some time in strengthening neck exercises and proper neck alignment, not only will you reduce pain now, you will be investing in a strong neck for the future to help prevent more serious problems down the road...

Properly withstanding these pressures prevents spinal breakdown and future nerve pressure also. Let’s look at the neck or cervical spine. Remember when I told you for every inch of forward head it increases the weight gravity puts on you by 10 pounds. This is a perfect example- whose neck do you think will break down faster, one with forward head posture and an extra 10 pounds on it everyday, or someone with perfect posture? I think you know the answer.

So, you can see how you don’t need to be a power lifter to want to strengthen the neck. Ultimately, correcting your neck’s alignment will strengthen your neck and prevent neck degeneration.


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Exercises for the Neck - Strengthening

Exercises specifically for strengthening the neck muscles are also called Isometric exercises. Isometric exercise is a type of exercise involving the static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint. In simple terms this means that in these exercises the length of the muscle does not change. As you continue to do these strengthening exercises for the cervical spine you will gain strength in your neck. Over time you should be able to increase the force and number of times you are able to perform the exercises. Here are 4 simple exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles in your neck:

1. Press your palms against your forehead and push against each other, resisting motion. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat this exercise 3 times.














2. With this next cervical strengthening exercise place your hand against the side of your head. Try to bring to your ear to your shoulder, resisting the motion. Repeat this exercise on the other side. Hold each position for 5 seconds and when finished relax slowly.















3. Cup both hands against the back of your head. Attempt to push your head back, resisting the motion. Hold this position for 5 seconds, and when finished relax slowly.
4.
In the final cervical strengthening exercise, put your right hand against the right temple. Attempt to turn your chin to your right shoulder, resisting the motion. Repeat this on the left side. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax slowly. Do this neck exercise 3 times.
Read Stretching Exercises for the Neck here.



NJ
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