Many of us feel tension in the shoulders and neck, especially after a hard day. Dr. Myshka of Fayetteville AR recommends stretching often to help muscles lengthen and relax. Try these stretches when your shoulders feel like they are almost touching your ears:

Shoulder and Neck Stretches in Fayetteville AR

• Shoulder Shrug This stretch seems counterintuitive but helps to relax muscles by sending them new signals from the brain. Raise your shoulders towards your ears as high as you can and release them after about ten seconds. Do this three times and your shoulders will feel more relaxed.
• Shoulder Rolls The name really explains it all but to do this stretch, roll your shoulders forward, then up, and the backwards. Try doing about ten rolls in each direction to loosen up your shoulders and neck.
• Shoulder Stretch This gym class favorite is a great stretch to relieve pressure across the back of your shoulders. Place one arm out straight across your chest and grasp the back of your upper arm with the other. Turn your head towards your outstretched fingers and hold for thirty seconds to complete the stretch. Make sure to repeat it on both sides.
• Neck Stretch Allow your head to roll to side, so your ear is close to the top of your shoulder. Do not pull your head down further but just use the force of gravity. Pulling your head down can cause further neck strain. Repeat gently on the other side, forwards, and backwards, holding for about thirty seconds each direction.
• Upper Back Stretch Standing or sitting, reach both arms out in front of you, allow your shoulders to come closer together across your chest, and round your back. This stretch allows your upper back muscles to extend and relax. Try holding this stretch for about 30 seconds and repeating it a few times.

Stretching can help relieve the tension during your workday, but having regular adjustments can greatly reduce the tension and prevent pain.