Welcome, polykendancer- this is the place for ideas and encouragement. I was a lab tech for 29 years and here is an excercise I "invented". I was plagued by pinched nerves in my neck and spent the summer going to a chiropractor until I figured it out. As other techs came down with the problem I showed them how to do it. Using a chinning bar or a low hanging limb on a tree, grab with both hands with your palms facing away from your body. Not the "chinning position. Just sag with as much of your weight as you can manage. The idea is to stretch, no contacting of any kind. Eventually, you will work up to all of your weight, and then putting your head back and arching your back. Do this often and consistantly. I have done this for 40 yrs but had to stop when my shoulder was dislocated severely with loss of tendon connections. I really miss it. It will help your upper body.