First it was good ole’ fashion mental stress.
Followed by upper cross syndrome.
Then we added text neck, and Laptop-itis to the problem.
And just recently we have the Zoom hunch making neck and shoulder tension worse and more common than ever before.
Prior to 2020 people spent, on average, 6 hours 31 minutes a day in front of their computer. And this does not include smart phone time.
Let's take a look at what is happening for part of, if not that whole time:
There are 34 or so muscles in our neck and shoulders and the 20+ joints in the neck. Our Head Neck and Shoulders need a maintenance plan.
Here is a quick and simple plan for you to give your head, neck and shoulders the TLC they deserve.
Let's Get Started:
Sit in an upright position. You can be on the floor, or in a sturdy chair.
Hold your left arm up in front of you and wrap your right arm from underneath, Try to bring your palms together as best as you can. Stay tall and neutral in your spine. Raise the elbows up and sink the shoulders down. Then, tuck your chin to your chest.
Hold for 4-6 deep breaths and then switch the arms.
Hold your right arm out as if you’re looking at a ring. Then hook your left hand around your right upper arm. Press your right arm back, allowing the left arm to go along for the ride.
Then get creative, turn your head up towards the ceiling, turn your head down towards the floor, you’ll notice how all of these head positions will change where you feel this stretch in your neck.
Hold for 4-6 deep breaths and then switch sides
Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows forward. Reach your elbows across the room and scoop them up towards the ceiling, as you lengthen the back of you neck and look up at the ceiling. Then plug the head of the arm bones into the shoulder sockets, tuck your chin, and lengthen the back of your neck.
Repeat 6-8 times.