How Does Exercising Relieve a Stiff Neck?

Being Careful

The neck is a tricky part of the body considering it is connected to the top of the spine. It is OK to try and work the kinks out of a stiff neck, but if it is something more serious such as whiplash, then a doctor should be consulted first. A crick in a neck is also something that should be handled gently. In most cases, a crick should just be left alone. Don't press against it by moving the neck in that direction. If left alone, a crick will usually go away on its own.

Why It Works

For a stiff neck with no catches or cricks, you can stretch the neck with a simple exercise. Stretching the neck pulls the muscles and tendons and loosens them just like stretching leg muscles after a run. The muscles become more limber, and it releases the tension that has built up and caused the muscles to be tight.

The Exercise

To do the neck stretching exercise, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed. Look straight ahead. Slowly move your head so that you are looking over your shoulder and hold it there for about five seconds. Next slowly move your head to the opposite shoulder and repeat. Continue with this for at least 10 stretches and try to turn your head a little farther each time. This will pull the muscles out and relax them.