Fort Wayne Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain: Exercise & Cox® Treatment
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 are dealing with chronic discomfort or occasional stiffness, finding effective ways to ease neck pain is paramount. New studies have shown that specific exercises, especially fixed resistance training and progressive resistance training, can significantly 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 Fort Wayne neck pain more efficiently.
UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, prolonged computer use, and muscle strain. Office workers are particularly susceptible to neck pain owing to the repetitive type of tasks and the sedentary lifestyle associated 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 signify a higher risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your Fort Wayne chiropractor often suggests exercise as a non-invasive treatment alternative to ease pain and increase neck function.
THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN MANAGING NECK PAIN
Combining chiropractic Cox® treatment with exercise is a usual way for managing and decreasing neck pain. It helps strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and increase 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 enhanced sensory testing measurements and lowered pain levels. (2) Another study explained that chronic neck pain affects 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 shown 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 motion.
- Isometric Neck Exercises: These exercises include holding 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 involves gradually 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: Hold dumbbells in each hand and shrug your shoulders up to 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 reduce neck pain, boost posture, and increase overall neck function.
CONTACT Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc
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 managing neck pain.
For more personalized advice and guidance, book a consultation with your Fort Wayne chiropractor today at Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.