Hi @kathleen-1
Welcome to the community! I’m Ani Harish, community manager with MyYogaTeacher
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. I understand how frustrating and concerning persistent neck and shoulder pain can be, especially after a pinched nerve and potential shoulder injury. It’s definitely wise to be cautious with neck stretches, and I appreciate you sharing your concerns about chronic pain.
It sounds like you’re already aware of the benefits of stretching, which is a great start. However, given the persistence of your pain, especially the shoulder discomfort, it’s essential to approach this with a tailored and gentle approach.
Here are a few things to consider:
Professional Assessment: Since you’ve been experiencing this for a while, consulting a physical therapist or osteopath would be very beneficial. They can accurately assess your condition and provide personalized guidance.
Gentle Movement: While stretching is helpful, focusing on gentle movement and range-of-motion exercises can also be very effective.
Mindfulness and Breathing: Incorporating mindfulness and deep breathing techniques can help manage pain and reduce stress, which can often exacerbate discomfort.
