Before starting physiotherapy for a cervical spine syndrome, all important structures of the cervical spine (cervical spine) and its surroundings must be examined. Especially tests for instability, unhindered blood circulation and nerve conduction are indispensable. Following are some exercises to strengthen the cervical spine and the holding muscles.
Cervical Spine Syndrome Exercise 1 In order to strengthen stabilizing muscles and to make more room for the structures of the cervical spine by stretching it, the patient first lies in a supine position with the feet in an upright position. The head lies flat on the pad. Now an attempt is made to push the back of the head straight down and at the same time to push the chin backwards as if a double chin is being made.
This stretches the neck and stabilizes it at the same time. This position is held three times for 10 seconds each. The physiotherapist checks that the patient does not place the head in the neck and that the muscles in the front part of the neck remain loose.
Cervical spine syndrome Exercise 2 If this exercise is well mastered, the head can also be raised slightly. In addition, the same exercise can then be practiced in sitting and standing position. In this way, the patient will later be able to stretch the neck in any everyday situation – such as long car journeys.
At the same time, the patient is given the feeling of a straight cervical spine, so that after some time he can control and correct himself. Cervical Cervical Syndrome Exercise 3 Other exercises for a cervical syndrome make use of the long lever of the arms as a complication. In an upright position – this always starts with the feet, which are placed parallel hip-wide apart, the lower back is straightened up, the chest is directed forward and upwards and the neck is stretched out as explained above – the arms are kept stretched out on both sides.
The palms of the hands point towards the floor. The backs of the hands should be at shoulder height all the time and not higher. When tired, the heavy arms sink down quickly, correct again and hold for a few more seconds.
Alternatively, the stretched arms can be sprung in small quick movements up and down, the body should remain stable and still. Cervical Spine Syndrome Exercise 4 Another variation of these exercises is the rotation of the arms. The stretched arms are turned up and down in quick alternation, so that the back of the hand and the palm of the hand alternately point to the floor or ceiling.
Try to work in the opposite direction: if the left palm is facing down, the right palm is facing up. This trains your coordination. In another static exercise for cervical spine syndrome, the patient gives himself resistance to the head. The patient’s own hand presses against the temple, forehead or other points. The patient tries to keep the head straight against the resistance.
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