Does Yoga Hurt Your Neck?

Do you find your yoga practice puts more strain on your neck? Here are some simple modifications to turn every pose into a gentle stretch for your neck, also included is a series of stretches that focus only on your neck.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• yoga
• neck pain
• cervical issues
• stretch
• therapy

[andjan32]

Thank you for these tips, I too have problems with my neck as a result of my yoga practice. Something I'm still working with is flowing thro a vinyasa it seems I'm tightening the muscles in my shoulders which in turn jam up my neck. Any suggestions?

Namaste,

jkm

[yogashivashakti]

The first thing would be to not tip your head back when coming into upward dog or cobra, nor when leaning back before your descent into forward bend. Always keep the head and neck at neutral, or even let the head hang forward. This is not traditional form, but it's so great for your neck!!

Also, don't forget to pull your shoulders down away from your ears in both downward dog and upward dog. I will post a video within the next couple weeks detailing a vinyasa with neck modifications.

[ShellyFrampton]

I have spasmodic torticollis. I love to do yoga, but sometimes it causes a LOT of pain in my neck due to severe stiffness. This is very helpful, and it makes so much sense. I'm doing this from now on! Thank you!