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STIFF NECK EXERCISES FOR NECK PAIN

Exercises for stiff neck

STIFF NECK EXERCISES FOR NECK PAIN is a simple routine to do on a daily basis whether you have neck pain or not. Since 70% of the general population will have neck pain in any one year, and for 12% it will be disabling, a bit of prevention makes sense.

We recommend you take these exercises one at a time, do it for a few days, and when you're happy, go on to the next one.

There is no exercise program that fits with everyone. Listen to your body, take it slowly. If it doesn't feel good, leave it out, and move on to the next one. If you're not sure if you are doing it right, get someone to watch you do them.

Obviously first choice is to get a professional check that you are doing them properly.

  • Neanderthal Man

  • Fix the eyes on a point on the wall directly in front of the eyes, and move the head forwards and backwards, slowly and rhythmically, careful to keep the chin on the same plane. Avoid flexion / extension - looking up and down. A slight chin tuck on extension is important.

    NOT TO BE DONE IN PUBLIC! Do it in the car, and in the loo.

  • Neck Muscle Exercises

  • In these stiff neck exercises for neck pain the head should not move at all. Place the hands alternatively and hold for about 5 seconds:

    • Against the forehead, push the head forwards against the resistance of your hands.

    • Repeat with hands behind the head. Attempt to extend the neck (without extending the head, don't look up, and without movement - against the pressure of the hands)

    • Place first the right, and then the left hand on the cheek. Attempt to rotate the head against resistance.

    • Cover the ear with your hand. Attempt to laterally flex the head (side-ways) without movement.


    • Cat and Camel
    • The Cat and Camel exercises for a stiff neck are more difficult, and probably should not be taught on a website. If you're not getting it, get help. It's an old yoga exercise.

      In essence, it's the Neanderthal Man, with the head RETRACTRED against gravity. Once again, don't extend the head. Keep looking straight between your hands.

      One of the reasons is that it requires two movement simulaneously:

      1. humping and arching the lumbar spine.

      2. moving the head and neck STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN.

      Begin them separately and, when you can do each part confidently, then try combining them.

      The Cat

      The Cat stands proud during these stiff neck exercises for neck pain. Head up, neck retracted and back arched.

      • On hands and knees, in a comfortable position, elbows straight.

      • Place your watch between your hands. AT ALL TIMES LOOK AT YOUR WATCH. This helps prevent head and neck extension. Now RETRACT your head and neck, KEEPING YOUR EYES FIRMLY FOCUSED ON YOUR WATCH.

      • Now drop the belly and arch the back.

      DO NOT ARCH THE HEAD AND NECK.











      The Camel

      The Camel neck muscle exercise, done properly, is just as tricky. She's thirsty, and wanting to drink.