How Yoga Can Help You Beat Neck Pain

Neck pain can make everyday life more challenging. Many adults face discomfort that disrupts sleep, work, and leisure. Research shows that neck pain increases with age and that the number of cases will grow significantly in the coming years.

When pain becomes a part of your daily routine, even small tasks—sitting at a desk or playing with your children—can bring added stress. The discomfort may leave you feeling stuck and discouraged. Studies indicate that the issue is far-reaching, with projections showing a sharp rise in sufferers over the next few decades. This growing problem can make it hard to enjoy moments that once brought joy.

Yoga offers a gentle way to ease neck pain while improving movement. Research has found that yoga and similar exercises like Pilates, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong help reduce pain more effectively than many other activities. The slow, mindful stretches work to release tension from the neck muscles, which can lead to less stiffness and better motion over time. A regular yoga practice might give you the relief you need to enjoy your day with greater ease.

I used to teach spinal anatomy at a yoga teacher training school on Martha’s Vineyard. The students were surprised to learn how their practice could bring relief to those struggling with neck pain. That experience reminds me that simple, focused movement can make a real difference in managing pain.

Other treatments, including neck adjustments, have also been shown to help with chronic discomfort. For those looking for extra support, consulting a trusted chiropractor in Cranston, RI, might be the right choice. Combining a yoga routine with professional care could give you a balanced approach to reducing pain and regaining comfort.

If neck pain is interfering with your ability to enjoy life, consider giving yoga a try. Just a few minutes of gentle stretching each day may help restore movement and bring relief. Taking these small steps could lead to a noticeable improvement in your daily comfort and overall well-being.

References:

GBD 2021 Neck Pain Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol. 2024;6(3):e142-e155. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00321-1.

Safiri S, Kolahi AA, Hoy D, et al. Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain in the general population, 1990-2017: systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. BMJ. 2020;368:m791. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m791.

Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, Adams AH, Meeker WC, Shekelle PG. Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine. A systematic review of the literature. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1996 Aug 1;21(15):1746-59; discussion 1759-60. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199608010-00007. PMID: 8855459. 

Mueller J, Weinig J, Niederer D, Tenberg S, Mueller S. Resistance, Motor Control, and Mindfulness-Based Exercises Are Effective for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Dose-Response Meta-Regression. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Aug;53(8):420–459.