Neck Exercise

The Best Neck Exercise To Do For Relief & Restoration

Neck pain has been a persistent condition and one that poses significant costs in society. A one time event of neck pain is a small portion of those who suffer neck pain. From 50 to 75% of those who currently suffer neck pain will have another occurrence within 1 to 5 years. Let’s look at a neck exercise that has been shown to help.

neck exerciseOne cause of chronic neck pain is a problem with muscle control which can raise the risk factor for injury to the structures of the neck.

This exercise helps to restore function of the muscles and is important as part of neck pain reduction. This is the best exercise for the neck and targets the deeper muscles which help control posture and have become weak and lost fine control. When this happens, the more superficial muscles have to take over the function, which can lead to strain and associated pain.

This is an important part of exercises we recommend for the cervical spine and has been found in studies to produce both immediate and long term pain relief, leading to an improvement in muscle coordination.

  • A 2014 study in Manual Therapy Journal, indicated that this exercise produced a decrease in neck pain during rest and with pressure placed on the neck structures, producing a significant pain reduction in over 30% of neck pain sufferers. This has confirmed similar results from studies using this exercise in the past.

Although it is a simple exercise/stretch, it is not so easy to do. Practice as much as you can and it will become second nature. At that point, it can be done anywhere and anytime. It works on the deeper muscles that are responsible for maintaining correct cervical spine cure.

It also works the neuromuscular control that is of great benefit in managing neck pain conditions and is good for the upper cervical spine that can help with headaches and posture as well.

See detailed instructions and method variations

Author Bio

Stephen Ornstein, D.C. has treated thousands of neck, shoulder and back conditions since graduating Sherman Chiropractic College in 1987 and during his involvement in Martial Arts. He holds certifications as a Peer Review Consultant from New York Chiropractic College, Physiological Therapeutics from National Chiropractic College, Modic Antibiotic Spinal Therapy from Dr. Hanne Albert, PT., MPH., Ph.D., Myofascial Release Techniques from Logan Chiropractic College, and learned Active Release Technique from the founder, P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART, CCSP.