Juneau Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain: Exercise & Cox® Treatment
Neck pain is a common issue among office workers and individuals who spend long hours in front of computers. In today’s world, who doesn’t spend long hours in front of a computer? Whether you are dealing with chronic discomfort or occasional stiffness, finding effective ways to alleviate neck pain is vital. Recent studies have shown that specific exercises, particularly fixed resistance training and progressive resistance training, can considerably improve neck pain conditions. Exercise in combination with chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment of the cervical spine can be very alleviating! This blog post will explore the effectiveness of these exercises and provide evidence-based insights to facilitate your management of Juneau neck pain more effectively.
UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, extended computer use, and muscle strain. Office workers are particularly vulnerable to neck pain due to the repetitive type of tasks and the sedentary lifestyle associated with desk jobs. A new study reported that just one hour of computer usage by office workers with symptomatic neck pain triggered signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle and anterior scalene muscle, which may signify a higher risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your Juneau 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 a usual way for managing and reducing neck pain. It helps strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and increase 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 notably improved sensory testing measurements and lowered pain levels. (2) Another study explained that chronic neck pain impacts grip strength and psychomotor skills and highlighted 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 are:
Fixed Resistance Training – Effective for building strength and stability, fixed resistance training concerns using a constant resistance throughout the exercise movement.
- 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 in the direction of your chest without moving your shoulders, and hold for 5 seconds. Do this 10 times.
Progressive Resistance Training – Helpful in building muscle strength and endurance over time, progressive resistance training entails gradually increasing the resistance or weight used during exercises.
- Theraband Exercises: Using resistance bands to do neck movements such as lateral flexion and rotation.
- Shoulder Shrugs with Weights: With dumbells in each hand, shrug your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for a few seconds and then lower. Gradually increase the weight as tolerated.
Exercise is a potent tool for managing neck pain. By incorporating it with gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly lessen neck pain, improve posture, and increase overall neck function.
CONTACT Aurora Chiropractic Center
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Kirk on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the effective gentle protocols of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management in decreasing neck pain.
For more personalized advice and guidance, book a consultation with your Juneau chiropractor today at Aurora Chiropractic Center. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.
