We at Back and Body NJ always want to provide latest information to share with you regarding pain and treatments. In this piece, research on neck pain conducted a few years ago showed that if you combine spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and exercise, you will get the best long term results for neck pain. If a patient has a neck injury, ice and rest will be what is needed, but most of the time, patients will benefit from light exercises.
Back and Body NJ has some exercises for you. Put your hand on the side of your head and push your head lightly against your hand. Hold this for five seconds, and repeat the process from all angles until your full range of motion has been accessed.
This exercise can also be done forwards and backwards, and in the opposite direction, not just left and right. Make sure you are never feeling any sharp pain though.
After this exercise, you can inch your way into isotonic neck exercises. Still issuing light pressure, push your head into your hand like last time, but allow your head to move to the shoulder against the hand pressure. This can also be done in the opposite direction, and forwards/backwards.
Instead of using the whole hand, there is also the option to just use the two fingers. This will prevent you from putting too much pressure on the neck. All of the same movements can be without any hand or finger resistance, but it is best to use some kind of resistance as the results will show faster.
Research has found that people with chronic neck pain have more weakness in the deep neck flexor muscles than normal. These muscles are very deep and involuntary, so in order to strengthen them, do as told: Look straight ahead, tuck your chin as far as you can, hold for five to ten seconds, and repeat about five to ten times.
Other than spinal manipulation, mobilization, and exercise, Back and Body NJ will use soft tissue therapies like myofascial release. Active release technique, physical therapy modalities, and ergonomic modifications to ease your pain and help you get back to normal activities.
If you are having neck pain or any other type of back pain, come and see us at Back and Body NJ. Call us today (908) 325 – 3000.
