Home Exercises to Beat Neck Pain

March 31, 2023 CEP

Neck Pain: A Self-Limiting Diagnosis

The most common imbalance leading to general neck pain is called Upper Crossed Syndrome, a diagnosis named by Vladimir Janda, MD.

Upper crossed syndrome is an imbalance in upper quarter musculature that leads to postural abnormalities ultimately causing cervical pain and dysfunction.

These postural abnormalities include a forward translation of the head and shoulders as well as a rounded back. If left uncorrected, this can contribute to the development of chronic issues in the cervical spine.

Tight muscles include:

Upper trap
Levator scapula
Pectoralis muscle group

Weak muscles include:

Deep neck flexors
Lower trap
Serratus anterior

These muscle imbalances cause the shoulders to round through elevation and anterior translation of the scapula (scapular winging) and the head to develop a forward tilt.This anatomical misalignment leads to increased pressure on the cervical vertebra, vertebral discs and associated structures.

Essentially, while looking from a side view, you should be able to draw a straight line from a person’s anterior shoulder to their ear. With upper crossed syndrome, the head would fall in front of that imaginary line.

Relieving Neck Pain with Custom Therapy Programs

Although intimidating, a comprehensive and individualized program can help to correct these postural abnormalities and reduce pain.

In a 2020 Randomized control trial, it was determined that a lower trap strengthening exercise program is an effective method with clinical significance for reducing the level of neck dysfunction and improving the postural alignment, muscle thickness and contraction rate of the lower trap muscle.

At Competitive Edge Performance, we utilize a specialized form of electrical stimulation called the NEUBIE machine. In contrast to the traditional TENS e-stim unit, the NEUBIE uses a direct current stimulation to send signals precisely to where you’re experiencing pain or muscle movement limitations, ultimately re-educating your muscles by tapping into the nervous system.

Initiation of the NEUBIE begins with the mapping process. This process allows the therapist you work with to determine the source of pain or dysfunction with 100% accuracy every visit, leading to improved accuracy of treatment and accelerated treatment times.

The NEUBIE is FDA approved for the following uses:

Maintaining or increasing range of motion
Increasing local blood circulation
Neuromuscular re-education
Preventing muscle atrophy
Reducing muscle spasms
Preventing venous thrombosis after surgery
Management or relief of chronic pain
Management of post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain

For more information, please visit NeuPTtech for more information on how this breakthrough technology is changing the way physical therapy is practiced.

DIY Exercises for Muscle Imbalance with Upper Crossed Syndrome

The following exercises address the muscle imbalances that are associated with upper crossed syndrome. They can be performed at home with minimal equipment, and should be done so 4-5 times per week.

Please understand these exercises are safe and effective for anyone to perform, but a full evaluation should be performed by a medical professional if you are worried about initiating a home exercise program.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and if pain is present with these movements, seek an evaluation with a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist.

WATCH HERE

Upper Trap Stretch

Please perform stretches sitting in chair with back support
Anchor your hand to the bottom of the chair to maintain appropriate scapular positioning
Place opposite hand on your head to assist in stretching movement and to provide slight overpressure
Hold 30 seconds to 1 minute

Levator Scapulae Stretch

Please perform stretches sitting in chair with back support
Anchor your hand to the bottom of the chair to maintain appropriate scapular positioning
Place opposite hand on your head to assist in stretching movement and to provide slight overpressure
Hold 30 seconds to 1 minute

Chest (Pec) Stretch

Place foam roller or rolled towel vertically along spine
Allow your arms to drop towards the floor with straight elbows
Hold 30 seconds to 1 minute

Scapular Retractions

Squeeze shoulder blades together and down
Be careful to avoid upper trap activation – shoulders should not elevate
Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, maintain 2-3 second isometric hold with each repetition

Chin Tucks

Pull chin inward as if you were making a double chin
Avoid excessive shoulder/chest movement during exercise
Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, maintain 2-3 second isometric hold with each repetition

Rows

Use an elastic band
Start with arms straight, ensure appropriate scapular retraction, draw back band as you bend your elbows
Be sure to keep elbows close to body
Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, maintain 2-3 second isometric hold with each repetition

Horizontal Abduction

Start with band or tubing with arm stretched across your body
While maintaining straight arm, pull elastic band horizontally across your body as shown
Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, maintain 2-3 second isometric hold with each repetition
This can be performed with or without resistance band

Y’s

PLEASE NOTE: All stretching and exercise images were sourced from hep2go.com.

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