It can be the most bothersome thing in the world; a sore neck. An excellent way to avoid neck pain is to stretch regularly. Doing so will also help to prevent injury and increase your range of motion.

Here are four easy neck stretches:
(You should begin each stretch with your neck centered while either lying on your back or sitting up.)

Flexion Stretch (For the back of your neck)

1. Gently bend you head forward.
2. Stop when you feel a slight stretch in the back of your neck.
3. Hold for 20 seconds.
4. Return to the starting position.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 four more times.

Extension Stretch (For the front of your neck)

1. Gently bend your head backward.
2. Stop when you feel a slight stretch in the front of your neck.
3. Hold for 20 seconds.
4. Return to starting position.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 four more times.

Rotation (For the sides of your neck)

1. Gently return you head to the left.
2. Stop when you feel a slight stretch in the right side of your neck.
3. Hold for 20 seconds.
4. Return to starting position.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 four more times.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 with your head turned to the right five times.

Lateral Flexion (For the sides of your neck)

1. Gently stretch your neck as if you were trying to touch your left ear to your shoulder.
2. Stop when you feel a stretch in the right side of your neck.
3. Hold for 20 seconds.
4. Return to starting position.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 four more times.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 with your right side five times.

If you are feeling chronic neck pain, be sure to have it checked. For you chiropractic needs, call Petett Chiropractic in Renton, WA at (425) 277-2225.

Article Referenced:
Gentle Neck Stretching Excercises – About.com by Laura Inverarity, D.O.