Neck Strengthening Exercises

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice if rehab is needed.

Shoulder Shrugs

  • Hold a light dumbbell or other suitable weight in each hand.
  • Raise the shoulders up as high as comfortable and lower.
  • Repeat this for 10 to 20 repetitions and aim for 3 sets.

Overhead Press

  • This can be done with a machine, or simply using dumbbells or another suitable weight.
  • Press the weight from the shoulder upwards.
  • Aim for 3 sets of 10 to 20.
  • This will work many of the muscles of the upper back and neck, strengthening them and helping them to relax.

 

The following exercises are 'static' exercises and rely on the muscular contractions begin resisted.

Exercise 1 - Resisted sideways head tilt

  • Sitting upright, place one hand beside the head and aim to press the head sideways against it. Do not move the hand but allow it to prevent movement of the head.
  • Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5 to 10 times.

 

Exercise 2 - Resisted head rotation

  • Sitting upright, place one hand beside the head and aim to rotate the head to the side. Do not move the hand but allow it to prevent movement of the head.
  • Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5 to 10 times.

 

Exercise 3 - Resisted extension

  • Sitting upright, place both hands behind the head and aim to push gently back against them. Do not move the hand but allow it to prevent movement of the head.
  • Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5 to 10 times.

These exercises should be done every day for the first week. If any of the exercises are painful do not continue and seek professional advice. Increase the difficulty of exercises when you are comfortable at the current level for at least 3 days. This can be done by increasing the number of repetitions or the number of sets. As you become stronger and the intensity increases you may need to allow rest days and do strengthening exercises 3 to 4 times a week.

Strength exercises should be preceded and followed by mobility and stretching exercises.