Taking special care of your neck prevents spondylitis and keeps the muscles in shape. A strong neck helps promote good posture and helps prevent certain injuries. Neck exercise is especially beneficial to those who use computers a lot.

The neck twist is an effective exercise that relieves pain by loosening and stretching the neck tendons. It also stimulates the nerves in the cervical vertebrae. This particular neck exercise can be done sitting or standing.

If standing, stand with your feet parallel, about shoulder width apart. Keep your back straight and look straight ahead. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Breathe in through your nose, slowly and smoothly. Exhale through your nose, while slowly turning your head to the left as far as you comfortably can. Hold this position for a second or two.

Breathe in again, slowly through your nose as you gently turn your head back towards the front. Repeat the steps of this neck exercise, turning to the right. Continue the neck exercise alternating sides 10 to twelve twists per side. Try to stretch your neck a little farther each time.

If sitting, sit on a firm but comfortable chair. Keep your back straight and rest your hands on your thighs. Breathe in through your nose, slowly and smoothly. Exhale through your nose, while slowly turning your head to the left as far as you comfortably can. Hold this position for a second or two. Follow the same movements if you are standing.

Repeat this series of movements once or twice everyday. It will help relive neck pain and stiffness, and also to prevent certain neck problems. Don’t force it, stop if you feel pain, and use liniment on any pre-existing sore spots before you begin the neck exercise.

Another involves tilting your head back slowly, far enough so that you can look up. Hold this position for a moment, and then return slowly to the front facing position. Repeat this neck exercise three times a day with 5-10 repetitions each time.

You can try another that also focuses on tilting your head, but from side to side. Keep your head held straight as you slowly tilt it to the left side. Do not go so far as to touch your ear to your shoulder. Hold this position for a moment then return your head to the center position. Repeat this neck exercise to the right side. Do 5-10 repetitions, 3 times a day. If you are being treated for a neck problem or injury consult your physician before doing these exercises.

There is absolutely no reason to wait until you are doing your normal work-out to take care of your neck muscles. You can do any neck exercise whether you are sitting at your computer desk or standing in line at the grocery store. It’s important to keep your neck muscles strong so take advantage of neck exercise whenever you can.