Neck and Shoulder Pain? Try this ... What you see above is what we call Thoracic Mobilization. Simply, we're trying to get the muscles of your upper back, shoulders, and neck to relax. In many cases, tightness in your neck and shoulder can come from lack of mobility in your thoracic spine (upper back). Here's what you do: - Take a tennis ball (lax ball if you're a veteran or extra brave) - Place it on the floor - Lie on top of the ball so that the ball is a couple of inches AWAY from your spine (that's where the tight muscles live). - If you have "issues" like our model, you may cradle your head in your hands. Your long range goal would be to get your head to the floor. - Now scooch around using as little effort as humanly possible (remember, we're trying to relax here) and try to find a spot that feels just a little sore. - Once you find a spot, hang out there for a few seconds and take a deep breath or two. - You can move on to a different spo...