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  • Home
  • Blog
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Yoga Block Neck Release – Relief for Head and Neck Pain

February 25, 2022 //  by Di Hickman//  10 Comments

Recently I’ve found myself slumped over a computer. Either editing a video or doing taxes. As such my neck, head and shoulders are giving me some pain and tension. To counter this I do a short yoga block neck release that I thought I’d share. First, we use a yoga block and somatic movement to mobilize and stretch the neck. Then we work on exercises to help correct bad posture and avoid the computer hump”! Let me know how it goes for you!

If you can’t view the embedded video above, you can view the video on YouTube. Maybe add it to a playlist? Above all, remember to subscribe to my channel. New videos are uploaded regularly. However, for exclusive longer format videos sign up for my Patreon community. Each month we explore poses, transitions, and trouble areas. Patrons also get early access to all my videos, along with lots of other benefits. You join today for as little as $1 a month.

Disclosure: Links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the website and allows me to continue to make more content. Thank you for the support!

Yoga block neck release

Begin this practice with a short body scan, lying on your block with the knees bent. This allows us to get a baseline of how our head, neck, and shoulders feel before the yoga block neck release does its magic! Then, using one hand to support and lift the head place the yoga block underneath your head. Begin a small and slow shake of the head “yes” up and down. Just an inch or so. Then, “no” left to right. Finishing with small circular movements. Again the key is small and slow. This part of the practice ends with a hold in place for the yoga block neck release.

yoga teacher demonstrating yoga block neck release stretches

Again, assist with one hand to lift the head and remove the block. Notice if things feel different already! Then roll face down onto your yoga mat with your hands under your forehead. Repeat the small slow shake of the head “no” and “yes”. This massaged into the fascia of the forehead and surrounding tissue.

yoga teacher demonstrating neck exercises and stretches

Finally, end with a head lift. The important thing to note here is that the chin stays tucked in. I like to call it the double chin lift because that’s what we’re doing. Giving ourselves a temporary double chin. Avoid tilting the head and looking forward. End the practice on your back to rescan and re-evaluate. Do you feel different? Typically my neck and shoulder tension disappear and my neck feels longer! Let me know what difference you notice in the comments!

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yoga block release for neck and head tension 12-minute somatic yoga class

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Questions

  • Are you spending more and more time at the computer?
  • Do you suffer with neck, head or shoulder pain?
  • Have you made a start on your taxes?
Previous Post: « Reclined Pigeon Pose for Beginners – 15 Minute Floor Yoga Laying Down
Next Post: Coloring to Unplug with Adult Coloring Pages »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Clarice

    March 4, 2022 at 7:47 am

    I would love to try this and add it to my routine. Thank you for sharing the video. Makes it easier to follow.

    Reply
  2. Viano

    March 4, 2022 at 3:48 am

    I work on my computer most times and I recently suffered neck and shoulder aches. All I did was a little massage. It was both excruciating and relieving.

    Reply
  3. Nisha

    March 1, 2022 at 5:33 pm

    This will be of great help as tension headaches are common these days . The detailed poses with the pictures can help all of us. The double chin lift is a great idea, love it!

    Reply
  4. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

    March 1, 2022 at 3:29 am

    This sounds great to help with neck pain. I don’t get it often but this will come in handy when I do.

    Reply
  5. Lyosha

    March 1, 2022 at 2:05 am

    great idea! I have to admit that despite my love to yoga and long hours invested in it I have never used a yoga block for my neck

    Reply
  6. Pooja Sharma

    February 28, 2022 at 10:09 pm

    oh! i badly need these. This is something that could help me find some relief from my stressful life. Lately with all that happening and new role, I am getting lot of Neck pain and this could really help me. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  7. Jenny

    February 28, 2022 at 12:13 pm

    I’ve never tried using a yoga block before, this sounds like a good way to try it out.

    Reply
  8. Lori Bosworth

    February 28, 2022 at 6:27 am

    This is another pose that makes good use of a yoga block! Fortunately, I no longer have neck pain, but it sounds like this pose is good for many of us hunched over our laptops!

    Reply
  9. Alvern

    February 27, 2022 at 1:11 pm

    There just seems to be a yoga pose for everyone and every ailment. Is there anything such as a bottomless pit when it comes to yoga? Lol!!

    Reply
  10. Maureen

    February 25, 2022 at 6:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! My husband has similar issues with his neck due to work. I will let him try these exercises and see if it helps alleviate some of the pain. Also, I love that you included photos. It helps to know exactly what to do!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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