Pain in the Neck - As Promised**

The following are 5 exercises that you should do everyday to help decrease neck strain. All of these exercises should be done sitting or standing with an upright posture.

Shoulder Shrugs
1. Raise your shoulders up toward your ears.
2. Hold for a count of two.
3. Lower your shoulders back down.
4. Repeat 15-20 times.

Ear to Shoulder Tilt
1. Tilt the left ear toward the left shoulder. Your shoulder should remain stationary.
2. Hold for a count of two.
3. Alternate sides, for a total of 15-20 repetitions.

Neck Rotation
1. Keeping your body in an upright forward position. Rotate your head so you are looking over your right shoulder.
2. Hold for a count of two.
3. Alternate sides, for a total of 15-20 repetitions.

Shoulder Blade Pinches
1. Roll the shoulders back.
2. Pinch the shoulder blades together.
3. Hold for a count of two.
4. Repeat 15-20 times.

Isometric Forehead Push*
1. Place the heel of one hand on your forehead.
2. Push your hand against your forehead while trying to keep your head stationary.
3. Hold for a count of two.
4. Repeat 10 times.

*Isometric means a static exercise, or one in which the muscles contract but there is no movement at a joint.

**Our model for this entry isn't really a pain in the neck, she just wanted to have her picture on our blog.