Aims of the exercises

For the treatment of the cervical spine (cervical spine), depending on the results of the examination, different goals of the exercises are in the foreground.

If an instability has been detected, the stabilizing muscles and possibly the coordination must be trained by special exercises.
In the case of blockages in the cervical spine (cervical spine), these must be released and the range of movement expanded.
For tension in the cervical spine (cervical spine), the focus is also on mobilization, movement expansion and detonation – in other words, relaxation.
In case of pain, the structures should first be relieved and the cause of the pain should be found out.
If this is due to instability or poor posture, special exercises should be performed after pain reduction to address this cause. Nerves in the cervical spine (cervical spine) can be mobilized so that the gliding ability is restored and finally the cause of the compression is also treated here.

For which diseases of the cervical spine are exercises advisable?

Typical diseases and injuries in the area of the cervical spine (cervical spine) are on the one hand the herniated disc, when, for example, due to lack of stability and constant one-sided strain, disc material enters the spinal canal in which the nerves run. When nerves are compressed, they send the wrong signals. For example, an unpleasant tingling or burning sensation in the fingers is felt or some muscles feel weak and cannot be controlled properly. Depending on the location of the discomfort or powerlessness, the examination can determine which nerve of the cervical spine is damaged or at what level of the cervical spine disc material has leaked. If a herniated disc is suspected, a doctor or orthopedist should always be consulted first, who can confirm the diagnosis by means of X-ray or MRI.

For anatomical understanding of the cervical spine

The cervical spine (cervical spine) consists of seven vertebral bodies, which are separated from each other by intervertebral discs. At the upper end, it is connected to the skull via the upper cervical joints and at the bottom, the spine continues as the thoracic spine. Each spinal column section has its own characteristics.

In the cervical spine (cervical spine), the first two vertebrae are particularly striking – the atlas (1st cervical vertebra) and the axis (2nd cervical vertebra). The atlas is the only vertebra without a spinous process. The axis has a so-called “tooth” on which the atlas, and thus the head, can rotate, allowing great mobility.

The vertebrae are supported by various ligaments and muscles. Through the vertebral holes on the right and left, the nerves that supply the arms emerge from the spinal cord. Furthermore, an artery responsible for the blood supply to the brain runs through the cervical spine (cervical spine).

These structures must always be taken into account during the examination. Furthermore, symptoms such as lack of concentration, dizziness, nausea and light-headedness can occur due to an unstable cervical spine (cervical spine), since an artery that supplies the brain with blood and thus also oxygen runs through these vertebrae. If this supply is interrupted or reduced due to a malposition and lack of space, the above-mentioned symptoms occur.

Instability can be caused by a lack of muscles, constant bad posture or past accidents with whiplash. The small joints of the cervical spine (cervical spine) can also be affected by poor posture and overloading, which can lead to arthrosis, i.e. wear and tear of the cartilage on the joint surfaces. In most cases of poor posture, tense muscles in the neck or the front part of the neck cause the unpleasant symptoms.

This can also lead to headaches and sensations in the arms and fingers. The articles might still be of interest to you in this regard.

Pinched nerve in the cervical spine
Physiotherapy for a whiplash injury
Neck Pain