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Cell phones have become such an important part or our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine how we ever survived without them. This powerful device that we depend so much on and take for granted does come at price, and no I’m not talking about your monthly phone bill; it’s tight neck muscles.

Usually when we use our phones for tasks besides talking, we are looking down, causing our anterior neck muscles to be in a flexed position for a long period of time. These tight muscles can contribute to head aches, sore necks, and sometimes TMJ issues.

Here is a great stretch that can help release tension from these tight anterior muscles. Also this stretch can be performed standing or sitting, allowing you to quickly get back to your phone.

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  Start the stretch with your head in neutral position (looking straight ahead).

  
  


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  Next place your fingers just below the end of the clavicle bone as shown above.

  
  


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  Once you have placed your fingers on the muscle attachment just below the clavicle, gently press and pull the muscle downward and hold.

  
  

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  Next slowly rotate your head to the opposite side while your fingers are holding down the muscle at the attachment.

  
  


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  You should feel the muscle under your fingers pop up, as you rotate your head. If not reset your fingers with your head in neutral position and press slightly harder pulling the muscle downward with your fingers.

  
  

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  Then slowly extend your head back as far as it can go.

  
  


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  Hold this position for 10-12 seconds. Don’t forget to breath.

  
  


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  You should feel a burn as you stretch the anterior neck muscles from the attachment all the way to your jaw.

  
  


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  Repeat this stretch 2-3 times. You should be able to extend your neck back a little further each time.