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Why your neck feels stiff: Here are quick daily routines to relieve pain

The neck becomes stiff when muscles, joints or nerves around the cervical spine lose their natural flexibility or alignment

The neck becomes stiff when muscles, joints or nerves around the cervical spine lose their natural flexibility or alignment. (Express Photo)

Our neck carries the weight of the world or at least the weight of our head every single day. It connects the mind to the body, thought to movement. Yet, when stiffness creeps in, even turning the head to say hello becomes a task.

Neck stiffness may seem like a small issue but it can slowly begin to affect how we sit, sleep, work and live. Stiffness around the neck and shoulders is one of the most common complaints today seen in school children hunched over phones, young professionals staring at laptops for hours, fitness enthusiasts pushing too hard at the gym, or elderly individuals losing mobility with age. For some, it’s due to a sudden jerk or an awkward sleeping posture; for others, it’s the weight of stress that quietly tightens every muscle around the neck.

Why does your neck stiffen up?

The neck becomes stiff when muscles, joints or nerves around the cervical spine lose their natural flexibility or alignment. So, poor posture, lack of movement, emotional tension and age-related degeneration are often the hidden roots. “Tech neck,” a modern condition, has now joined this list caused by constant screen gazing, forward head posture and drooping of the neck muscles.

Poor posture, lack of movement, emotional tension and age-related degeneration are often the hidden roots. (Express Photo)

Can there be an all-age routine?

While you take long hot showers, long walks with shoulder mobility work wonders and nourish the cervical joints.

Simple actions like slow neck rotations, side bends and nodding the head forward and back help restore circulation, reduce stiffness and remind the body that the neck is meant to move.

Postural reset is equally important. How we hold our head determines how our neck feels. Sitting tall with the spine lengthened, the chin slightly tucked and the shoulders rolled back allows balance without rigidity.

Keeping the screen at eye level can make a world of difference to neck health.

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How we hold our head determines how our neck feels. (Express Photo)

Stretching releases trapped tension and restores elasticity to overworked muscles. The upper trapezius stretch, where you sit on one hand and tilt the head to the opposite side, or the levator scapulae stretch, where you turn the head slightly and look down toward the armpit, both open the neck beautifully. Even a gentle ear-to-shoulder stretch, done with awareness, can bring deep relaxation.

Strength is as important as flexibility. Weak muscles lead to poor alignment and pain. Exercises like chin tucks, scapular retractions (squeeze the shoulder blades backwards), wall angels (flapping your hands with your back to the wall, feet stretched forward and chin tucked) and gentle isometric holds (contraction of a muscle group) build support and stability. When the neck and shoulder girdle are strong, they can carry the head with ease and grace.

Weak muscles lead to poor alignment and pain. (Express Photo)

Changes in lifestyle

Sleeping on a medium-firm pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck, staying hydrated to nourish spinal discs, and taking regular breaks from sitting can prevent stiffness. Gentle yoga postures like Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana, Pavanmuktasana, and Naukasana act like oil to a rusted hinge, restoring movement and flow. Breath exercises release invisible pressure and relax muscles from within.

Neck pain is not a signal to stop moving, it’s a reminder to move wisely. Mobility brings flow, strength brings support and awareness brings healing.

(Dr Mehta is a holistic health expert)