Why Neck Tension Rarely Starts In The Neck

Discomfort in the neck
When people come to me with neck discomfort, they often share a common thread: it’s rarely just the neck that’s the problem.
Almost always, there is hidden tension in the shoulders, the jaw, or both.
You might notice yourself clenching, hiking your shoulders toward your ears, or simply feeling like your head is “heavy.”
Try this for a moment:
Bring your attention to your jaw. Are your teeth touching, or is there space? Now notice your shoulders—are they creeping up right now?
Over months or years, these subtle patterns create persistent pain. In the Feldenkrais Method, we look at the whole system: the jaw, shoulders, ribs, spine, and especially the pelvis.
Many of us struggle with “Head Forward” posture, but the root cause is often found much lower down. If the pelvis isn’t oriented to provide a stable base, the head simply cannot rest efficiently on the neck.
When the pelvis, spine, and ribs move in harmony, neck tension often eases naturally because the head finally has the support it needs.
A Different Approach
In a typical Feldenkrais lesson, movements are small, slow, and comfortable.
Many students are surprised to discover how gentle exploration reveals habits they never knew they had.
Once these patterns become clear, the body begins to reorganize itself into a state that feels easier and more natural.
I also recently wrote about how your skeletal shape and suppleness dictate the kind of pillow you actually need: More “Pillow Talk” | Atlanta Feldenkrais
Upcoming Series
We will explore these themes deeply in my upcoming Neck Relief series starting April 12. It’s suitable for all levels—no experience required.
The “Neck Relief “series runs April 12 – May 17 (Sundays 1:30–3:00 PM) at Vista Yoga in Decatur and online via Zoom.
If neck tension, headaches, or stiffness affect you regularly, this series may offer a fresh way to approach the problem. You can find more information and register here
You May Also Like...
How Standing Affects Sleeping
If you were here for the first two installments on choosing your pillow, you know by now that there is no one-pillow-fits-all solution out there....
If You Had To Choose One Exercise
One Exercise For the Rest Of Your LifeFor me, without a doubt, it would be walking. Yes, walking. Simple, everyday, unglamorous walking. And yet, it...
More “Pillow Talk”
Last week, in “FAQ – What is the Best Pillow?,” we saw that there is no one-pillow-fits-all solution. That your sleeping position affects the kind...