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Neck Arthritis Exercises

Doctors or physical therapists will often suggest a regimen of neck arthritis exercises as part of a course of conservative treatment for patients who suffer from cervical osteoarthritis. These exercises are designed to improve flexibility within the neck and to increase the strength of neck muscles.

If you have been diagnosed with neck arthritis, there are a few things to remember before you begin a new exercise program. First, always consult with a doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to perform the physical activity required – and to make sure that the exercises you plan to do will not cause further damage. Once you begin your regimen, start slowly and work your way up to more demanding activity. Finally, remember to breathe as you exercise. Holding your breath during exercise deprives the muscles of the oxygen they need to sustain the physical activity. Perhaps most importantly, never push your muscles to the point of pain. Listen to your body when it tells you it has had enough.

Some simple neck arthritis exercises you might learn from your physical therapist include:

• Cervical flexion – lowering the chin to the chest
• Cervical extension – turning the face toward the ceiling
• Lateral flexion – lowering the ear toward the shoulder on either side
• Cervical rotation – turning the face to either side
• Isometrics – using the hands for resistance to build strength as you move the head forward, backward or sideways

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When your arthritis symptoms are mild, exercising can be an easy and effective neck arthritis treatment. Sometimes, however, a regimen of neck arthritis exercises or a combination of other conservative treatments is not enough. When the chronic pain of neck arthritis symptoms persists, or your range of motion remains severely restricted after months of conservative treatment, your health care provider may present surgery as an option.

The award-winning surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can help you rediscover a life without the pain of cervical spine arthritis. Contact LSI for a free review of your MRI or CT scan, and to learn how our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures can help you regain your life more quickly than traditional open-back surgery.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.