Largo 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. 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 alleviating! This blog post will explore the effectiveness of these exercises and provide evidence-based insights to facilitate your management of Largo neck pain more efficiently.

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 discovered 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 more risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your Largo chiropractor often suggests exercise as a non-invasive treatment option to alleviate 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 decreasing neck pain. It helps strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and boost flexibility and strength. A systematic review compared 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 affects 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 demonstrated significant benefits for neck pain patients are:

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

• Isometric Neck Exercises: These exercises include maintaining 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 in the direction of your chest without moving your shoulders, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 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 perform neck movements such as lateral flexion and rotation.
• Shoulder Shrugs with Weights: Hold dumbbells in each hand and 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 alongside gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly lessen neck pain, improve posture, and enhance overall neck function.

CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc

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 managing neck pain.

For more personalized advice and guidance, book a consultation with your Largo chiropractor today at Hollstrom & Associates Inc. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.