It’s a common misconception that stretching helps to reduce neck pain, as the affected muscles are actually already overstretched. — dpa
Neck pain might be one of the most common ailments of the modern world, especially for people stuck working at a desk all day.
As for the rest, they are probably putting a fair share of strain on their neck muscles when staring on their phone many times a day.
Orthopaedist Dr Matthias Manke explains what exactly happens in your body that leads to neck pain and what we should (and shouldn’t) do to alleviate it.
“If I tilt my head forwards all the time, my rear muscles are permanently overstretched.
“As a result, they lack strength and tense up,” he says.
It’s a common misconception that stretching helps to reduce neck pain, according to the physician.
That’s because stretching, well, only stretches your overstretched muscles further, Dr Manke says.
Instead, when experiencing neck pain, that’s a sign that we need to strengthen the muscles in the back of the neck, he says.
To do so, all you need a wall, or alternatively, the headrest of a car seat.
“Press the back of your head against it with maximum force,” says Dr Manke.
After pressing for 10 seconds, relax for 10 seconds.
Repeat this exercise for a total of two minutes, preferably once in the morning, once at lunchtime and once in the evening.
Strengthening your muscles in this way will help to prevent and alleviate neck pain, says the doctor. – dpa
