Oxford Chiropractic Relief for Neck Pain: Exercise & Cox® Treatment
Neck pain is a common condition 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're dealing with chronic discomfort or occasional stiffness, finding effective ways to alleviate neck pain is paramount. Recent studies have shown that specific exercises, especially 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 very alleviating! This blog post will explore the effectiveness of these exercises and provide evidence-based insights to help you manage Oxford neck pain more effectively.
UNDERSTANDING NECK PAIN
Neck pain can be triggered by various factors, including poor posture, prolonged computer use, and muscle strain. Office workers are particularly susceptible to neck pain due to the repetitive type of tasks and the sedentary lifestyle related with desk jobs. A new study stated that just one hour of computer usage 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 indicate a higher risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. (1) Your Oxford chiropractor often recommends 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 a usual 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 notably enhanced sensory testing measurements and reduced 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 – Helpful 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 – Effective for building muscle strength and endurance over time, progressive resistance training entails 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: 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 powerful tool for managing neck pain. By incorporating it alongside gentle, effective chiropractic Cox® Technic treatment, you can significantly lessen neck pain, boost posture, and enhance overall neck function.
CONTACT Satterwhite Chiropractic
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 Oxford chiropractor today at Satterwhite Chiropractic. Learn more about how you can take control of your neck pain and live a more pain-free life.
