A Real Pain in the Neck — And What You Can Do About It

Gentle stretches, big relief—because your neck deserves a break.

There’s a reason the old saying, “You’re a pain in the neck,” has stood the test of time. A stiff neck truly is miserable. Whether it’s turning your head to check your blind spot while driving, bending to tie your shoes, or looking up to greet a friendly pet—simple movements can suddenly feel like Olympic-level challenges when your neck and shoulders are tight.

And it doesn’t stop there. When tension builds in this area, it can lead to headaches, irritability, and poor posture. That posture, in turn, affects productivity and comfort—often keeping us at our desks longer, increasing strain, and continuing the cycle.

Sound familiar?

For many of us—especially those who spend time at a desk, use smartphones, drive, read, garden, knit, or watch TV—this tension becomes an all-too-familiar part of daily life. And while a week at a spa or on a quiet retreat sounds lovely, most of us don’t have the luxury of pressing pause on life.

The Good News? Bonus Support: A Guided Video

You don’t have to. A short, intentional stretch routine can be the next best thing—and it doesn’t require you to carve out hours of your day or disrupt your routine.

Below, you’ll find a simple sequence designed to:

• Relieve discomfort in the neck and shoulders

• Mobilize muscles in the upper back

• Release tightness in the lower back

• Give your entire spine a gentle, luxurious stretch

  
  

These small, consistent actions can make a big difference in how you feel—helping restore ease, comfort, and energy without requiring time off or drastic changes.

This short video walks you through many of the stretches above, with clear, gentle instructions. If possible, find a quiet spot where you can tune out the world for ten minutes. Close your eyes, follow along, and give yourself the gift of stillness and movement. 🙏