6 Ways to Release a Cricked Neck And yes — your tongue is involved.

How to Release a Stiff Neck Naturally (Even If You Grind Your Teeth or Have Frozen Shoulder)

Let me guess: you’ve slept weird, your neck is stiff, and now you’re rotating your entire body to check your blind spot. Classic.

We all know the drill — heat pack, emergency stretch, maybe a frantic Google of “how to fix a stiff neck fast” or “best neck release for stress.” But what if the key to easing neck pain, frozen shoulder tension, and even tooth grindingwasn’t in your shoulders at all…

…but in your tongue?

I know. It sounds like one of those weird wellness myths your acupuncturist whispers mid-treatment. But stick with me (pun intended).

Below are six genuinely effective, slightly offbeat, and science-backed ways to relieve a stiff neck, calm stress, reduce jaw tension, and support frozen shoulder recovery — using fascia release, breath, and the surprisingly powerful muscle in your mouth.

Why Jaw Tension, Tooth Grinding, and Neck Pain Are Connected

If you grind your teeth at night, clench your jaw during stress, or live with chronic tension in your shoulders, your neck is probably paying the price.

The tongue, jaw, neck, and shoulders are connected through deep fascial and muscular lines that run into the cervical spine. When one area holds tension, everything else compensates — often leading to:

• Stiff neck and limited range of motion

• Headaches

• Frozen shoulder symptoms

• Jaw pain and tooth grinding (bruxism)

• Nervous system overload

Release one area, and the whole system can soften.

Let’s start somewhere unexpected.

1. Move Your Tongue to Release Neck and Jaw Tension

Here’s where things get a little odd — but trust me, this is powerful for neck pain, tooth grinding, and stress relief.

The tongue is incredibly strong and deeply connected to the cervical spine through an intricate system of muscles, fascia and nerves.It is anchored to the hyoid bone in the neck, which acts as a bridge to the cervical spine. When it’s tight (from stress, posture, or clenching), the neck locks up to protect it.

Try this tongue release exercise:

• Find a private space where you won’t feel self-conscious

• Stick your tongue out as far as it will go

• Keeping your head still, point your tongue:

  • Up

  • Down

  • Side to side

• Now stick your tongue out the side of your mouth and repeat

• Switch sides

It’s strange. It’s slightly hilarious. And it works.

People are often shocked by how quickly this softens their jaw, throat, breathing, and neck mobility. It’s especially helpful if you grind your teeth or wake up with neck stiffness.

2. Fascia Release for Stiff Neck and Frozen Shoulder: Armpit Balls

Welcome to fascia — the connective tissue that links your neck, shoulders, arms, and nervous system.

This is gold for frozen shoulder, upper back tension, and stress relief.

• Sit upright

• Place massage balls (or rolled socks) in your armpits

• Let your arms rest

• Take 10 slow breaths, long exhale

This area is packed with nerves and lymph. Releasing it often creates an immediate drop in shoulder and neck tension.

Think of it as a hidden off-switch for chronic tightness.

3. Ear Pulls, Jaw Release & Lymph Drainage for Neck Pain

Jaw tension and lymph congestion are sneaky contributors to neck stiffness and headaches.

Try this gentle release sequence:

• Gently tug your earlobes downward

• Slowly work up the outer ear cartilage

• Use the opposite hand to stretch under your jawline

• Pump just above your collarbone

• Rub your elbow creases vigorously

This helps lymph flow, reduces jaw clenching, and often eases that heavy, stuck feeling in the neck.

It’s the neck-release equivalent of draining a clogged sink.

4. Hand Massage to Relieve Neck Tension and Stress

Your hands are directly connected to your neck through fascial lines — which is why typing, scrolling, and gripping stress often shows up in your shoulders.

• Place a ball under the base of your thumb

• Massage slowly

• Trace the outline of your palm

• Place the ball under the palm and gently oscillate your hand

This is surprisingly effective for stress relief and neck pain. Think of it as reverse voodoo.

5. Shoulder Blade Release for Frozen Shoulder & Upper Back Pain

This one is a favourite for anyone dealing with frozen shoulder or chronic shoulder tension.

• Lie on your back

• Place a soft ball behind one shoulder blade

• Let your elbow float and trace a slow figure 8

• Breathe deeply — in through the nose, out through the mouth

• Pause and melt

This helps rehydrate fascia and restore movement without forcing a stretch.

6. Deep Neck Rest to Calm the Nervous System

Finish with stillness — the most underrated form of stress relief.

• Place two balls (or tennis balls in a sock) under the base of your skull

• Gently nod “yes”

• Gently shake “no”

• Then rest completely

Notice how your neck stops trying so hard.

That’s your nervous system down-regulating.

Why This Works for Stress, Tooth Grinding, and Frozen Shoulder

Because tension is never isolated.

When the tongue, jaw, and fascia release, everything downstream responds:

• Breath deepens

• Posture improves

• Neck pain eases

• Stress hormones settle

• Tooth grinding often reduces over time

This is nervous-system-led movement — not forcing, not stretching, just listening.

If you want more of this, I teach sessions blending Pilates, fascia release, and somatic tools to help people feel less stiff, less stressed, and more at home in their bodies.

Less gripping.More softness.A lot more you.

DM me, email, or start right now by moving your tongue around.

Your neck will get the message 💛Alyssia