Have you reached the point where stretching isn’t helping your neck pain? Maybe you get some short-term relief, but the pain (and tightness) returns in 20 or 30 minutes. So, you tried stretching more, only things are no better…even months later. And now you are not sure what else to try.

All the above statements are common for people suffering with neck pain. Many believe or are told if you just stretch more the pain will go away. But when the pain does not go away it means stretching is not the best path forward.

But my neck feels tight? Doesn’t that mean I need to stretch?

Again, if stretching is going to help it will do so within a week or two and last more than 20 minutes at a time.

There are other reasons for muscles to feel tight than being short or need to be stretched. It is possible for the muscle to feel tight when it is over-stretched. In many instance of persistent neck pain, certain muscles become over-stretched” from daily activities and it actually needs to be strengthened.

How does one know…if it is over-stretched?

One of the easier ways to test this is to put the muscle on slack and then retest (motion). If the person’s pain is less or gone then there is a good chance the region needs more strength.

What exactly needs strengthened?

While there is not one answer for all (because of individual variations) there are a few groups of muscles that tend to need some work. They are (in no particular order) the neck flexors, neck extensors, and scapular muscles. It is not uncommon for 1 or all these groups to need work. There are simple tests that can be performed to know which groups will benefit from strengthening.

How does a person know what exercises are best?

Well…this comes as the result of a comprehensive physical examination. This examination can be performed by a physical therapist who will then prescribe the best exercises for you.

There is no need to suffer any longer with neck pain that does not change with stretching. Reclaim pain-free neck days again. Click the following LINK to connect with an expert who will help solve you neck troubles.