Do you often feel pain or discomfort in your neck? Stretching exercises can help to restore motion and relieve the pain you're feeling. Neck exercises are more effective if you do them during or after a shower. The moist heat increases blood flow to the muscles in your neck. It's also a good idea to do them every few hours throughout your day. Ready to get started?

1. Slowly turn your head as far as possible to the left. Hold for 3-5 seconds. Then return your head to its normal position and relax. Do the same exercise by turning your head to the right. Repeat 5 times.

2. Try to touch your chin to your chest. Then raise your head backwards and look up at the ceiling. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

3. Try to touch your right ear to your right shoulder. Then return your head to its normal position and relax. Do the same with your left ear and left shoulder. Repeat 5 times.

4. Raise both shoulders as close to your ears as possible. Hold the position, count to five, then relax. Stretch your shoulders backwards, hold for 3-5 seconds, then relax.

5. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Clasp your hands behind your back and pull downward toward the floor. While pulling down, take a deep breath, stand on your toes, and look at the ceiling. Hold this stance for 3-5 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat 5 times.

At some point, most people will experience neck pain. Sometimes neck pain is the result of a specific accident. In other instances, it can develop over a period of time. Maybe you perform the same actions every day at work and you are starting to feel the effects.

New Jersey Workers' Compensation recognizes both specific accident claims and occupational exposure claims. If you have work-related neck pain, you can file a Workers' Compensation claim to receive benefits for your injuries.