Nix That Neck Pain

As more people spend their days hunched over a computer, complaints of neck pain and soreness soar. The best medicine may be targeted strength training for 20 minutes, three times a week. In one study, dumbbell exercises that focus on the neck and shoulder muscles, like the upright row, significantly reduced chronic neck pain. To do an upright row, hold a dumbbell in each hand while standing. Let your arms hang, elbows slightly bent, with your palms facing your legs. Lift the dumbbells up to armpit level, like zipping a jacket. Lower your hands back to the starting position. Repeat eight to 12 times.

Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol. 59, No. 1