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Home » Articles » Neck And Shoulder Pain » Tight Neck? Try The Levator Scapulae Stretch (Video)

Tight Neck? Try The Levator Scapulae Stretch (Video)

By: Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES), Last Updated: March 5, 2020

Levator scapulae stretch

If your neck and shoulders are tight one culprit could be a tight Levator scapulae muscle. This muscle gets really tight with bad posture during desk work. In today’s video I’ll show you 2 easy Levator scapulae stretches from standing and sitting positions (2 ways).Watch it below:

Related:
How to get rid of neck pain
Rounded shoulders exercises
Exercises for forward head position
A better door frame chest stretch
Back Pain relief blog

Leon Turetsky CEO of Back Intelligence
Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES)

Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES), Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), Professional Dancer

As a long time back sufferer Leon found unique methods to alleviate his pain using natural methods including self massage, exercise/stretching and postural habits. He founded Backintelligence.com to empower others to fix their postures and ease their back pain from home.

Filed Under: Neck And Shoulder Pain

Comments

  1. EmmaEmma says

    February 9, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    Myself and my husband often have this problem. I have been trying this tecnique and wow”ser its brilliant. Ill be getting my son to try it also as he would have alot of tightness in his neck and shoulder.. Thank you, love your vids, brilliant..

  2. L.K.L.K. says

    January 21, 2020 at 3:15 am

    Several weeks ago I developed severe neck pain from staring down at my phone, and from propping up my bed pillow to watch TV. I’ve been doing different stretch exercises to heal, and this one you posted works great! This muscle is exactly where the pain is! Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. Mary CaldwellMary Caldwell says

    October 29, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    I’m a 72 year old lady who has recently started doing your exercises After only a week I find I am getting more movement in my neck, which was stiff and painful with pain going into my back and shoulders.
    I am experiencing less pain and don’t feel so hunched up. I’m going to continue with them, can’t wait to feel further improvement.
    Thank you Leon

  4. DanDan says

    September 4, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    I wonder if these stretches are suited for older adults

    • Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES)Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES) says

      September 5, 2019 at 8:05 pm

      Yes certainly you can do it if you’re older. If it feels good, then do it, but if it doesn’t then don’t push into pain.

      • Geoff M PrescottGeoff M Prescott says

        September 6, 2019 at 6:10 pm

        Hi,
        Yes, these stretches do work for older people. I’m turning 70 in a few months and I find these exercises really work for me. Thanks!

  5. MarleneMarlene says

    August 29, 2019 at 9:32 am

    Oh wow! This is going to make a real difference to my forward head problem. THanks so very much. Will do this and your other excercises diligently!!

  6. Maggie LunanMaggie Lunan says

    August 20, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Thank you for all these exercises: it’s really helpful

  7. Judy McKayJudy McKay says

    August 16, 2019 at 2:02 am

    I find your exercises amazing. Had quite bad and neck and shoulder pain for 3 months. Followed your exercises, and it resolved in 2-3 days. Think so much!

    • Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES)Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES) says

      August 20, 2019 at 4:16 pm

      Awesome, glad it helps!

  8. RMRM says

    August 8, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    Excellent! Thank you!

  9. KarenKaren says

    August 4, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    You have no idea what a true blessing these and the other stretches are for me. I have a sit down computer job coupled with sensitivity to the cold air conditioning and a long neck.

    This past week my troubles all culminated in what I thought was an earache or dental problem. After $60 to find out it was neither, I developed a numb tongue on the same side and a headache. In total I have spent over $3,000 this year trying to determine the root of my problem and treat myself.

    I can tell just by doing these exercises that this is going to be the solution to my year long desperate search for relief.
    Thanks from my whole heart!

  10. ChrisChris says

    July 31, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    Thank You for sharing this exercise and stretch, It has been very helpful and I am looking forward to more helping videos. Just wish I knew about this years ago!

  11. Lindsay MelvinLindsay Melvin says

    July 25, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    Brilliant exercise thanks

  12. mikemike says

    July 4, 2019 at 6:12 pm

    Good video! I’m using for a very sore left side neck and shoulder. Slowly getting better.

  13. JamaJama says

    July 1, 2019 at 7:21 pm

    Very useful tips
    Thanks

  14. CathyCathy says

    June 29, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    Fantastic! Both the sitting and standing positions!

  15. Greenberg JanettGreenberg Janett says

    June 2, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    This is the best and most effective program for relieving pain. I’ve had extensive neck surgery which has limited my range of motion. Because of this my muscles tighten regularly and are painful.

    Thank you so much!!!

  16. BrigitteBrigitte says

    June 1, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Thankyou so much for your videos. They really are helping me to manage neck shoulder and trapped nerve pain down my arm. I have slouched all my life without realizing it. These videos remind me every day to correct my posture.

  17. JodyJody says

    May 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    Was pleased to see this online this morning….I have a lot of neck problems and just doing this as you explained it, I can see it will be most useful. Could feel the stretch immediately. Thank you.

    • Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES)Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES) says

      May 31, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      Awesome! Glad it helped.

  18. GwynethGwyneth says

    April 3, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    Thank you I need all of these exercises and I am doing them.

  19. JessicaJessica says

    March 13, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Perfect timing haha. My neck was bothering me this morning and then this popped up in my email. I definitely needed this stretch, my neck gives me more pain than anything else. Thank you!

  20. Fisio AndyFisio Andy says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    Thanks for u tips, brother..

  21. Terry VojteckyTerry Vojtecky says

    August 21, 2018 at 2:27 am

    WOW. This is Stretch I need. It hurt so bad…that’s how I know it’s good for me. It hurt really bad but the end result was a little relief I only did it once but I will do it once a day until it doesn’t hurt anymore. Thank you so very, very much for much needed relief. You’re an angel…here on earth. Big hug.

  22. Teresa DovalpageTeresa Dovalpage says

    March 21, 2018 at 4:43 am

    Very useful tips and exercises. Thanks!

    • Leon T (Founder of BackIntelligence)Leon T (Founder of BackIntelligence) says

      March 25, 2018 at 1:12 am

      Glad you enjoyed it!

      • BarbaraBarbara says

        January 14, 2020 at 8:23 pm

        I have had a love affair with computers since they were introduced (many years ago) and along with that right shoulder/neck issues. I am now 77 and still use my laptop for many hours every day. My right Levator scapulae is always very sore and tight. Having just found your site, I was reminded of the dangers of forward head tilt. I have recently “raised” my laptop and “lowered” the table next to me to reduce strain on neck/shoulder. The Levator scapulae stretch (along with the other stretches) are “just what the doctor ordered” I do the YWLT as I get my 250 steps ++ every hour for about 7000/day. I do other exercises but yours are the BEST for neck and shoulder and posture !! I enjoy watching and listening to you as well.

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