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!
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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.
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.
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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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?
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Clarice
I would love to try this and add it to my routine. Thank you for sharing the video. Makes it easier to follow.
Viano
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.
Nisha
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!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
This sounds great to help with neck pain. I don’t get it often but this will come in handy when I do.
Lyosha
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
Pooja Sharma
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
Jenny
I’ve never tried using a yoga block before, this sounds like a good way to try it out.
Lori Bosworth
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!
Alvern
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!!
Maureen
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