Manchester Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain: Exercise & Cox® Treatment

Neck pain is a common condition 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 experiencing chronic discomfort or occasional stiffness, finding effective ways to ease neck pain is vital. Recent studies have shown that particular exercises, especially fixed resistance training and progressive resistance training, can considerably improve neck pain conditions. Exercise combined with chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment of the cervical spine can be quite alleviating! This blog post will explore the effectiveness of these exercises and give evidence-based insights to help you manage Manchester neck pain more efficiently.

UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN

Neck pain can be the result of a variety of factors, including poor posture, prolonged computer use, and muscle strain. Office workers are particularly vulnerable to neck pain due to the repetitive nature of their tasks and the sedentary lifestyle associated with desk jobs. A new study stated that just one hour of computer use by office workers with symptomatic neck pain resulted in 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 Manchester 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 to manage and lessen 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 significantly improved sensory testing measurements and lowered pain levels. (2) Another study described 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 demonstrated significant benefits for neck pain patients are:

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

• Isometric Neck Exercises: These exercises include holding a position for a specified period to engage the neck muscles.
• Neck Extension and Flexion: This involves 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 towards 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 involves slowly adding to 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 up to 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 with gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly reduce neck pain, boost posture, and increase overall neck function.

CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr.  James Kirk on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he details 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 Manchester chiropractor today at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.