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Overview
The dreaded headache. Let's face it: We've all fallen victim to this pain. While there are different types of headaches, let's focus on headaches that occur from the muscles and joints of the upper neck. This area of the body can become too tight, putting pressure on the nerves and tissues at the top of the spine. Help is here! Gentle stretching can help alleviate tension headaches. If you're prone to regular headaches, try performing this simple routine first thing in the morning and before bedtime. It can also be done during the day if you feel a headache coming on or stress building up. It's a great way to relieve tension and get on with your day.
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
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How to Do This Routine
Perform each stretch for two minutes. Take rests as needed, especially if you have a headache. You can do this routine every day -- whether you have a headache or not -- to help stop headaches before they start. It can also be used on flights (if you have a mini foam roller with you) or when you find yourself sitting at your desk for long periods of time.
Related: Meet the Women Who Are Changing Health and Wellness Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
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5. Side Body Stretch
Move further down the body and take out some tension from the ribs and back and side muscles. This stretch offers you an opportunity to open the ribs by stretching the intercostal muscles (the muscles that are in between the ribs). It can relieve any tension that's built up from clenched fists or bad posture sitting at the desk or on a plane for a long time. HOW TO DO IT: Standing tall, raise one arm straight above your head, palm facing inward. Reach up and over to the opposite side. Keep the arm straight and reach. Your left arm can hang by your left side. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Continue for 60 seconds before switching arms.
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
1 of 8
Overview
The dreaded headache. Let's face it: We've all fallen victim to this pain. While there are different types of headaches, let's focus on headaches that occur from the muscles and joints of the upper neck. This area of the body can become too tight, putting pressure on the nerves and tissues at the top of the spine. Help is here! Gentle stretching can help alleviate tension headaches. If you're prone to regular headaches, try performing this simple routine first thing in the morning and before bedtime. It can also be done during the day if you feel a headache coming on or stress building up. It's a great way to relieve tension and get on with your day.
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
Overview
The dreaded headache. Let’s face it: We’ve all fallen victim to this pain. While there are different types of headaches, let’s focus on headaches that occur from the muscles and joints of the upper neck. This area of the body can become too tight, putting pressure on the nerves and tissues at the top of the spine. Help is here! Gentle stretching can help alleviate tension headaches. If you’re prone to regular headaches, try performing this simple routine first thing in the morning and before bedtime. It can also be done during the day if you feel a headache coming on or stress building up. It’s a great way to relieve tension and get on with your day.
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
2 of 8
How to Do This Routine
Perform each stretch for two minutes. Take rests as needed, especially if you have a headache. You can do this routine every day -- whether you have a headache or not -- to help stop headaches before they start. It can also be used on flights (if you have a mini foam roller with you) or when you find yourself sitting at your desk for long periods of time.
Related: Meet the Women Who Are Changing Health and Wellness Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
How to Do This Routine
Perform each stretch for two minutes. Take rests as needed, especially if you have a headache. You can do this routine every day – whether you have a headache or not – to help stop headaches before they start. It can also be used on flights (if you have a mini foam roller with you) or when you find yourself sitting at your desk for long periods of time. Related: Meet the Women Who Are Changing Health and Wellness
Related: Meet the Women Who Are Changing Health and Wellness
1. Foam Rolling the Upper Back
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat
2. Foam Rolling the Lower Back
3. Head and Neck Stretch
4. Shoulder and Upper-Back Stretch
7 of 8
5. Side Body Stretch
Move further down the body and take out some tension from the ribs and back and side muscles. This stretch offers you an opportunity to open the ribs by stretching the intercostal muscles (the muscles that are in between the ribs). It can relieve any tension that's built up from clenched fists or bad posture sitting at the desk or on a plane for a long time. HOW TO DO IT: Standing tall, raise one arm straight above your head, palm facing inward. Reach up and over to the opposite side. Keep the arm straight and reach. Your left arm can hang by your left side. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Continue for 60 seconds before switching arms.
Image Credit: Carlos Moscat/LIVESTRONG.COM
5. Side Body Stretch
Move further down the body and take out some tension from the ribs and back and side muscles. This stretch offers you an opportunity to open the ribs by stretching the intercostal muscles (the muscles that are in between the ribs). It can relieve any tension that’s built up from clenched fists or bad posture sitting at the desk or on a plane for a long time. HOW TO DO IT: Standing tall, raise one arm straight above your head, palm facing inward. Reach up and over to the opposite side. Keep the arm straight and reach. Your left arm can hang by your left side. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Continue for 60 seconds before switching arms.
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