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Beginner Prevention & Rehabilitation

Chin Tuck

A postural correction exercise that strengthens the deep cervical flexors and corrects forward head posture. Chin tucks are one of the most prescribed exercises for text neck, cervicogenic headaches, and general neck pain from prolonged screen use.

Duration
3 minutes
Sets & Reps
3 sets × 10 reps
Difficulty
Beginner
Body Part
Head & Neck

Equipment Needed

None – bodyweight only

Benefits

  • Corrects forward head posture from screen use
  • Strengthens deep cervical flexor muscles
  • Reduces cervicogenic headaches
  • Can be performed anywhere, anytime

How to Perform

  1. 1

    Sit upright with your shoulders back and eyes looking straight ahead.

  2. 2

    Gently draw your chin straight back, creating a double chin.

    Tip: Imagine a string pulling the back of your head upward.
  3. 3

    Hold the tucked position for 5 seconds.

  4. 4

    Relax and repeat. Perform throughout the day, especially during desk work.

Safety Tips

Do not tilt your head up or down – the movement is straight back.
Keep the movement gentle – this should not cause pain.
If you feel dizziness, stop and consult your physiotherapist.
Can be done multiple times throughout the day for postural benefit.

Who Should Avoid This Exercise

Cervical disc herniation causing arm symptoms
Severe cervical arthritis with nerve compression
Recent cervical spine surgery (until cleared)
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Professional Treatment Options

Spinal Physiotherapy

Specialized physiotherapy focusing on the entire spine including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. We treat disc problems, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and postural dysfunction using spinal mobilization, decompression techniques, and targeted core stabilization programs. PhysioNear has matched thousands of patients with spinal specialists over 14 years across Malaysia. Most patients experience meaningful pain relief within 4–6 sessions of targeted spinal therapy.

Ergonomic Assessment

Professional ergonomic assessments for workplaces and home offices across Malaysia. Our physiotherapists evaluate your workstation setup, posture habits, and movement patterns to recommend adjustments that prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve productivity. PhysioNear has provided ergonomic assessment referrals for 14 years, helping workers across all 16 states. Most workers report reduced neck and back discomfort within 2–3 weeks of implementing recommended changes.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a skilled physiotherapy technique using thin needles to release trigger points and relieve myofascial pain. Effective for chronic muscle tension, sports injuries, and headaches, our certified physiotherapists apply this evidence-based treatment to accelerate recovery. PhysioNear's network includes dry needling-certified therapists across Malaysia, trusted by patients for over 14 years. Most patients feel noticeable trigger point relief within 1–3 sessions.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on physiotherapy techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and myofascial release. Our skilled physiotherapists use manual therapy to restore joint movement, reduce pain, and improve tissue flexibility for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. With 14 years of experience and 5,000+ happy patients, PhysioNear connects you with skilled manual therapists across all 16 states. Most patients experience improved range of motion after just 2–4 sessions.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Targeted physiotherapy for vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders including BPPV, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis. Our trained physiotherapists perform specialized maneuvers and prescribe customized exercises to help you regain stability and confidence in movement. PhysioNear has connected patients with vestibular-trained physiotherapists across Malaysia for over 14 years. BPPV patients often experience relief after just 1–3 treatment sessions.

Chronic Pain Management

Evidence-based physiotherapy for persistent pain conditions. We use a biopsychosocial approach combining manual therapy, graded exercise therapy, pain neuroscience education, and self-management strategies to help you take control of your pain and improve your quality of life. PhysioNear has helped 5,000+ Malaysians find the right pain management physiotherapist over 14 years. Most chronic pain patients report meaningful relief within 6–8 sessions.

More Head & Neck Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chin tucks should I do per day?

Aim for 10 chin tucks, 3 times per day as a minimum. For desk workers, performing chin tucks every 30-60 minutes during the workday is ideal. Since this is a gentle postural exercise, it can be done frequently without risk of overtraining.

Can chin tucks fix forward head posture permanently?

Chin tucks can significantly improve forward head posture over time, but consistency is key. The exercise strengthens the deep cervical flexors that hold proper head alignment. Combined with ergonomic workspace adjustments and regular breaks from screens, chin tucks can lead to lasting postural improvement.

Is the chin tuck the same as a neck retraction?

Yes, chin tucks and neck retractions refer to the same exercise. The movement involves drawing the chin straight back (retraction) rather than looking down (flexion). Some physiotherapists call it a "chin tuck" while others call it a "cervical retraction" – they are the same movement targeting the same muscles.

Professionally reviewed
| Reviewed by Wong Jia Hao, BSc Physiotherapy (UPM), Certified McKenzie Therapist |

These exercises are for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed physiotherapist or healthcare professional before starting any exercise program. Stop immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, or discomfort. These exercises are not a substitute for professional physiotherapy treatment.