Learn more: https://blog.atriushealth.org/2018/02...

If you sit at a desk all day working at a computer and start to notice frequent headaches, you may have what’s known as a cervicogenic headache. These headaches have nothing to do with eye strain but rather are caused by nerves and muscles of the neck and spine that have been aggravated by posture or perhaps an injury.

There are four primary exercises we teach people to use at home or at work to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck. Consult with your own doctor or physical therapist to make sure these will be beneficial for you.

1. The Upper Trapezius stretch
2. The Pectoralis Major stretch
3. The Levator Scapulae stretch
4. The Sternocleidomastoid stretch

• Place the fingers of your right hand gently in the left side indentation made by your clavicle or collarbone (the bone you can feel that runs from your shoulder to the base of your throat)
• Cover your right hand with your left, tilt your head slightly to the left, and then gently pull down, trapping and slightly stretching the base of the muscle that runs up the left side of your neck
• Slowly tilt your head to the right to further stretch that muscle
• Hold that position for 30 seconds, then slowly move your head to an upright position and drop your hands
• Reverse sides and repeat this exercise on your right side collarbone to stretch the right-side neck muscle
• You should do this stretch, one time on each side, twice daily (morning and evening)