That Crick in Your Neck Might Start in Your Hands

How to undo the neck tension

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When your thumbs work overtime, that can lead to tightness, numbness, and fatigue in your hands.

And then there's the crick in the neck.

There's a connection between using your hands and how your neck ends up feeling.

When your hands and forearms are engaged for long periods, other muscles step in to help, especially in the shoulders and neck.

This puts extra strain on the small stabilizing muscles in your neck which can lead to…

You guessed it: that crick.

These movements help reset the neck after long periods of focused making and creating. Try one or two during a break, or combine them for a well-deserved unwind.

Neck Half Circles

(seated or standing)

1. Slowly drop your chin toward your chest.

2. Gently roll your head to the right, bringing your ear toward your shoulder.

3. Return to center, then roll to the left.

4. Do this 3–5 times each direction, moving slowly.

Upper Trapezius (Traps) Stretch

1. Sit on one hand with your palm facing down.

2. Slowly tilt your neck to the opposite side, bringing your ear to your shoulder.

3. Hold for 15 seconds. Switch sides.

You can also revisit two favorites that support healthy posture and neck mobility:

Neck Tilts

1. Slowly tilt your ear toward one shoulder.

2. Hold for 15–20 seconds. Switch sides.

Chin Tucks

1. Sit or stand tall.

2. Gently pull your chin straight back (not down) like you're trying to make a double chin.

3. Hold for 5 seconds. Do 3–5 reps.

These movements can be effective as a pre-emptive warm-up before you sit down to make and create or to ease existing tightness.

Tip: combine these with the thumb and hand reset in this blog post.

Neck tension doesn't always start in the neck.

Sometimes what's happening somewhere lower in the chain, like in your hands or forearms, creates tension that travels upward.

By releasing those areas together, you're giving your whole upper body a chance to soften and reset.

Ready to support your creative body?

Your creativity deserves a supported body. By giving your neck a few minutes of care, you’re building the foundation for more comfortable and more joyful making.

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Until next time…

Happy making + moving,
Yvonne 🧡

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The information contained in this email is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new movement or exercise practice or before making changes to your current routine. Stop if you feel any sharp or sudden pain.