The neck turn is a simple home exercise for your neck. Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed. Turn your head slowly to look over one shoulder, then the other. Go only as far as is comfortable. Hold 3 seconds each side. Do it 10 times each side.
Do this exercise only if your physician checked it on your home exercise handout. Unless your provider writes something different, do your checked exercises two times a day, every day.
How do you do the neck turn?
- Start: Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed.
- Do: Turn your head slowly to look over one shoulder, then the other. Go only as far as is comfortable.
- Repeat: Hold 3 seconds each side. Do it 10 times each side.
What does the neck turn help?
It keeps your neck turning so it does not stiffen while it heals. Being able to turn your head matters for everyday things like checking your blind spot while driving.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Turning fast or bouncing at the end.
- Turning your shoulders along with your head.
- Pushing into sharp pain. Stop at the first point of strain.
When should you stop and call?
A gentle stretch, mild discomfort or feeling a little sore the next morning is normal. Stop and call (314) 887-5866 if you have:
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Pain 2 points higher than before that lasts more than an hour
- New numbness, tingling or weakness
- Dizziness, or any change in vision
For chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting, call 911.
Bring your log to every visit
Check a box each time you do your exercises and write your pain number once a day. At each visit, your technician counts the days you did them and watches you do one exercise to make sure your form is right.
More neck exercises
This exercise is part of our physician-directed physiotherapy program, where a physician orders and supervises every treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MBA, MHP. Board Certified in Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, Interventional Pain Management, Addiction Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. Last reviewed October 18, 2026.