People suffering from neck pain face more than just discomfort. Neck pain can seriously impact quality of life, making it challenging or even impossible to enjoy your passions or participate in everyday endeavors. From wincing while driving to avoiding physical activities, neck pain constantly reminds you of its presence.

Finding ways to mitigate or even eliminate neck pain can be the difference between constant frustration and a fulfilling life. Thankfully, there are ways to remedy neck pain, including yoga. If you’re interested in a natural, drug-free way to combat your neck pain, you’ve come to the right place. Yoga is a powerful tool that just about anyone can use, and we’re here to show you how.

Yoga Poses for Neck Pain

Practicing yoga can help your body tremendously from a health and wellness perspective. For those with neck pain, the benefits extend to pain relief and the reclamation of their mobility. While there are hundreds of yoga poses that may contribute to neck pain relief, we’re going to focus on a few of the most effective options. Keep in mind that this is only a brief guide—you should do further research or seek out instruction for more details on how to properly execute and use these poses.

Cat-Cow

This pose works wonders for the spine, including the neck. Performing it is simple and relaxing.

Start the pose on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under hips. Take a deep breath into your belly and drop it toward the floor as your lift your head and chin toward the ceiling. As you exhale, pull your belly in toward your spine and arch your back toward the ceiling. Return to the neutral position and repeat.

Standing Forward Bend

Similar to a hamstring stretch but more focused on decompressing the spine, the standing forward bend pose is excellent for alleviating neck pain.

This pose is also easily executed. Stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath and reach your arms upward, then exhale and bring your chest and belly down toward your thighs. Allow your knees to bend as you push your hips backward. Place your hands on the floor, allowing your neck and back to decompress. Push your hips upward without removing your hands from the floor or your belly from your thighs. Hold for 30 to 90 seconds, then repeat.

Child’s Pose

This particular pose can bring instant relief to those suffering from neck pain and is easily modified as you grow more advanced in your yoga expertise.

Start by kneeling with your hands slightly in front of your body. Begin the movement by sitting back on your heels and lengthening your spine. The back of your thighs should rest against your calves comfortably. Keep your arms extended, take a deep breath, and allow the tension in your back to dissipate. Repeat this motion, focusing on the stretch and decompression along your spine.

Helping Neck Pain with Yoga

Yoga can be an effective tool for alleviating neck pain and keeping it at pay. Many people begin yoga to try to relieve their discomfort, but it is the long-lasting positive effects of the activity that turns them into consistent yogis. 

If you suffer from neck pain and are searching for a solution, be sure to ask your doctor about yoga. They can evaluate your condition and have an open, honest conversation with you about yoga, your neck pain, and how the two might mesh. Chances are, you’ll be a yoga guru with little to no neck pain in no time.