Lifting weights may be the best remedy for a stiff neck, according to a new study.
When 48 adults with neck pain worked at strengthening their upper trapezius muscles for 20 minutes, three times a week for 10 weeks, they reported 80% less discomfort.
The study's author, Lars Anderson, writes in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism: "Resistance training may help repair damaged tissue and stronger muscles can bear more strain."
To work your traps, stand with your hands dangling by your sides, hold a weight in each hand and shrug your shoulders. The weight you use obviously depends on your strength. As always start with a light weight and increase along the way.
From my observation, the first few times you do this exercise your neck may actually feel worse. Stick to it and with time it will get better.
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