Somewhere along the way we
got the impression that rolling the head on the neck in a circular motion is an
appropriate way to stretch the neck muscles. WRONG! This is an excellent way to
cause aggravation to the various joint surfaces, which are arranged such that
rolling the head causes them to catch and drag, risking spasms of the neck
muscles and long-term joint damage such as osteoarthritis.
A safer way to accomplish the
same stretching is what I call the “Eight-Angle Stretch”. Begin by dropping the
chin down to the chest. Next, tilt the
head backwards. Third and fourth, tilt sideways, bringing the ears down toward
the shoulders. Now for the angles: fifth and sixth, tilt the head forward left
and then backward right. Lastly, seventh and eighth, tilt the head forward
right and then backward left.
Tilt your head slowly and
deliberately in each of these directions just beyond the point of discomfort,
hold it for a count of five, and then bring it slowly and deliberately back to
the neutral position. Once or twice per day is sufficient for the needs of most
people, but, if done properly, poses no particular problem from more frequent
application.
Getting rid of your pain,
Dr. Steven Ray,
Chiropractor
Val Vista Chiropractic
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