If your neck's in knots from stress and tension -- or too many hours in front of the computer -- it might be time to flap your wings.

Strength-training exercises aimed at toning arm, shoulder, and neck muscles can help soothe a chronic crick in the neck, research shows.

A One, a Two . . .
If you've got neck pain, talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise program. He or she may want to guide you to safe choices. In a study, simple dumbbell-in-hand exercises -- like lifting your arms straight out from your sides (kind of looks like you're flapping your wings) or doing one-arm rows -- soothed people's stiff necks after 10 weeks of supervised strength training. (The RealAge 20-Minute Workout includes many of the same moves used in the study. Sign in and customize your workout.)

The Problem with Pain
Besides making you miserable, chronic pain can cause other health problems -- like sleep loss or even depression. So don't just grin (or grimace) and bear it! See your doctor and find a treatment that works for you.

Learn about pill-free ways to control pain.

Thinking about using an over-the-counter pain pill? Take this RealAge quiz, and find out which one is right for you.