Sitka 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're dealing with chronic discomfort or sporadic stiffness, finding effective ways to ease neck pain is paramount. New studies have demonstrated that specific exercises, especially fixed resistance training and progressive resistance training, can considerably improve neck pain conditions. Exercise alongside chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment of the cervical spine can be quite alleviating! This blog post will explore the effectiveness of these exercises and provide evidence-based insights to facilitate your management of Sitka neck pain more effectively.

UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN

Neck pain can be the result of a variety of 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 discovered 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 indicate more risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your Sitka 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 decrease neck pain symptoms. (3) Two types of exercises that have demonstrated significant benefits for neck pain patients are:

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

• Isometric Neck Exercises: These exercises include maintaining a position for a specified period to engage the neck muscles.
• Neck Extension and Flexion: This entails moving the head up and down in opposition to 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. Repeat 10 times.

Progressive Resistance Training – Effective for building muscle strength and endurance over time, progressive resistance training involves gradually 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: With dumbells in each hand, shrug your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for a few seconds and then lower. Gradually add more weight as tolerated.

Exercise is a potent tool for managing neck pain. By incorporating it alongside gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly reduce neck pain, boost posture, and increase overall neck function.

CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka

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

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