Easy Stretch for Neck and Shoulder Pain
How do I release tension in my neck and shoulders?
Do you ever just feel like you have so much tension in your shoulders that you just can’t get rid of? Well, today I’m going to show you how. I’m Dr. Kara Penson and I work at Atlas Chiropractic: A Family Wellness Center in Waco, TX.
Try this easy stretch for neck & shoulder tension or pain.
Today we’re going to be talking about how if you ever feel like you have tension across your shoulder blades and up into your neck, right around this area, that you just can’t seem to get rid of. Well today, I’m going to show you an exercise that we do to help alleviate that tension. All you need for this exercise is to have a chair. You’re going to reach your arm underneath and grab the bottom of that chair. Then, you’re going to take your ear to your shoulder as far as you can comfortably, and then you’re just going to let your head drop forward. Now, from this position, when you get in that position, you’re just going to take your hand and apply some downward pressure so you feel that stretch right through this area. Again, you’re going to hold onto the bottom of your chair and then apply this pressure straight down and you should feel that stretch right along your neck and into your shoulder.
If you are doing this stretch regularly and still have chronic tension or pain in your neck or shoulders then it’s time to see a professional. A common underlying cause of neck and shoulder tension is something called “military neck” or loss of cervical lordosis. Our Atlas Chiropractic team did a video on this topic which you can check out here.
Let me know how the stretch works for you and leave a comment down below.
Reviewed by Dr. Christy Flick, DC · Last reviewed June 2026
This article is for educational purposes and shares general information about upper cervical chiropractic care. It isn’t a substitute for an individual clinical assessment, and results vary from person to person. If you’re wondering whether this could be the source of what you’re dealing with, we’d welcome the chance to take a look — schedule a complimentary consultation at atlaschiropracticwaco.com or call 254-304-7474.
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