How to Strengthen Anterior Neck Muscles

How to Strengthen Anterior Neck MusclesBy Francine Milford, LMTThe computer has given us one of the greatest gifts we have ever received: The ability to have information at our fingertips. But the computer has also brought about a spine ailment problem that is affecting eight out of 10 Americans. This problem is called the Forward Head Posture Syndrome or FHP for short.People suffering from this condition are characterized by viewing their profile which shows forward rounding shoulders and a forward protruding head. This is what happens when the muscles of the neck begin to weaken, or atrophy. When the muscles of your neck begin to weaken, other problems can begin to arise. Among these are headaches, pain, and injury.The muscles of the neck provide for not only movement of the head, but also for movement of the shoulder girdle. Building and maintaining anterior neck muscle strength is necessary to provide proper posture and protect against injury, pain and fatigue.Listed below is a simple exercise that you can perform to help strengthen anterior neck muscles in as little as minutes a day. You can perform these exercises every day . They are best done in conjunction with exercises that strengthen the posterior neck muscles.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Do it While You're Sitting or Standing

1. 
    

   Using good posture, this exercise can be done in a sitting or standing position. Be sure that you keep a nice straight posture in your chair with your spine extended and not slumped forward. Feet should be flat on the floor.

2. 
    

   Place the heels of both of your hands on your forehead with your elbows bent in front of you.

3. 
    

   Take a nice deep breath in and as you exhale slowly press your forehead against the heels of your hands as you attempt to bring your chin to your chest. Do this for at least a count of six. Release the tension and repeat this exercise for a total of eight repetitions.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hold your breath while performing this exercise. Be sure to keep nice rhythmic breathing. Don't apply too much resistance. You should feel just enough pressure so that you can feel that your muscles are working.
• Caution: Always consult your primary health care provider before beginning this or any other exercise. Stop this exercise if you feel a sharp pain or discomfort.

Resources

• Reiki Center of Venice

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