St Peters Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain: Exercise & Cox® Treatment

June 25, 2024

Neck pain is a common issue among office workers and individuals who work long hours in front of computers. In today’s world, who doesn’t spend long hours in front of a computer? Whether you're dealing with chronic discomfort or occasional stiffness, finding effective ways to ease neck pain is paramount. New studies have shown that particular exercises, particularly fixed resistance training and progressive resistance training, can significantly improve neck pain conditions. Exercise in combination with chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment of the cervical spine can be quite relieving! This blog post will look at the effectiveness of these exercises and give evidence-based insights to facilitate your management of St Peters neck pain more effectively.

UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN

Neck pain can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, extended computer use, and muscle strain. Office workers are particularly susceptible to neck pain owing to the repetitive nature of their tasks and the sedentary lifestyle related with desk jobs. A new study stated that just one hour of computer use by office workers with symptomatic neck pain triggered signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle and anterior scalene muscle, which may indicate more risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your St Peters chiropractor often suggests exercise as a non-invasive treatment alternative to ease pain and improve neck function.

THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN MANAGING NECK PAIN

Combining chiropractic Cox® treatment with exercise is an effective way for managing and reducing neck pain. It helps strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and boost flexibility and strength. A systematic review assessed the effects of neck exercise to passive or no intervention in adults with chronic neck pain and found that neck exercises significantly improved sensory testing measurements and lowered pain levels. (2) Another study described that chronic neck pain impacts grip strength and psychomotor skills and emphasized the importance of including exercises to improve overall functionality and reduce neck pain symptoms. (3) Two types of exercises that have shown significant benefits for neck pain patients follow:

Fixed Resistance Training – Effective for building strength and stability, fixed resistance training involves using a constant resistance throughout the exercise motion.

  • Isometric Neck Exercises: These exercises involve maintaining a position for a specified period to engage the neck muscles.
  • Neck Extension and Flexion: This entails moving the head up and down against resistance to strengthen the neck's front and back muscles.
  • Chin Tucks: Sit up straight, tuck your chin towards your chest without moving your shoulders, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Progressive Resistance Training – Effective for building muscle strength and endurance over time, progressive resistance training entails slowly increasing the resistance or weight used during exercises.

  • Theraband Exercises: Using resistance bands to perform neck movements such as lateral flexion and rotation.
  • Shoulder Shrugs with Weights: Hold dumbbells in each hand and shrug your shoulders up to your ears. Hold for a few seconds and then lower. Gradually add more weight as tolerated.

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing neck pain. By incorporating it with gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly lessen neck pain, boost posture, and enhance overall neck function.

CONTACT Old Mill Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr.  James Kirk on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he shares the effectiveness of the gentle protocols of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management in reducing neck pain.

For more personalized advice and guidance, book a consultation with your St Peters chiropractor today at Old Mill Chiropractic. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.

 
St Peters neck pain and exercise