Physiotherapy for a spinal blockage in the cervical spine

Physiotherapy for a vertebral blockage in the cervical spine aims to gently release the blocked cervical vertebra or vertebrae so that the patient is relieved of his pain and can move freely again. Since most vertebral blockages are caused by a lack of movement or muscle tension, there are many ways to help the patient, especially in physiotherapy. These include muscle relaxation measures such as manual therapy, massages, heat and electrotherapy, but also stretching and mobilization exercises as well as gentle sports such as swimming or Nordic walking.

Adjust the vertebrae and release the blockage itself

The correction of a blocked vertebra, especially in the cervical spine, should preferably be placed in the hands of a doctor or therapist with additional training in manual medicine or chiropractic. The treating therapist then applies a short, rapid impulse to the blocked vertebra, which repositions it. In many cases, blocked vertebrae can be repositioned without much effort.

Through certain stretching and rotating movements as well as relaxation techniques, the blockages can be gently released by the patient himself. If you are unsure or suspect that another disease could be behind the pain or movement restriction, please talk to your therapist first. Especially in the cervical spine, you should always weigh up the risk-benefit ratio before adjusting the spinal cord, because in many cases, even a relaxation of the tense muscles can help to solve the problems. The article Cervical spine blockage – symptoms/causes could be of interest to you in this regard.

Therapy and exercises

In order to relieve the discomfort of vertebral blockages in the cervical spine and, under certain circumstances, to relieve the blockages themselves, there are various stretching and mobilization exercises that can be carefully performed at home. In addition, mobilization of the cervical spine: Tilt your chin towards the sternum so that you feel a stretching in the neck. Now move your head slowly to the right, back to the middle and then to the left.

The chin remains close to the sternum at all times. Make sure that your gaze is also directed downwards. Stretch the lateral muscles: raise your left arm above your head and place the palm of your left hand over your right temple.

Now tilt your head to the left so that your left ear approaches your shoulder. Support the stretching by pulling the head even closer to the shoulder with your left hand. Hold the stretch for about 20 seconds and then change sides.

Release blockages: Place your right hand on the left side of your chin and turn your head towards your right shoulder. With your left hand, grab the back of your head from the top right side of your back and pull with your hand as if you wanted to turn your head even further. Walk only up to the pain threshold.

Blocked vertebrae in this area should be released by the pressure exerted. Relaxation of the muscles: Stand or sit up straight and upright. Now pull the shoulder as high as possible towards the ears.

Hold the tension for about 20 seconds and then let the shoulders slowly sink back into their original position. Repeat the exercise three times. If you are unsure how to perform the exercise, you can also ask an experienced physiotherapist or other professional for help.

More exercises can be found in the articles:

Cervical spine mobilization exercises
What is the best way to relax the cervical spine?
What is the best way to stretch the cervical spine?
Exercises against neck pain

Mobilization of the cervical spine: Turn your head slowly and in a controlled manner to the right and then slowly nod a few times. Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
Additional mobilization of the cervical spine: Tilt your chin towards the sternum so that you feel a stretch in the neck. Now move your head slowly to the right, back to the middle and then to the left.
The chin remains close to the sternum at all times. Make sure that your gaze is also directed downwards.
Stretch the lateral muscles: raise your left arm above your head and place your left palm over your right temple. Now tilt your head to the left so that your left ear approaches your shoulder.
Support the stretching by pulling the head even closer to the shoulder with your left hand. Hold the stretch for about 20 seconds and then change sides.
Release blockades: Place your right hand on the left side of your chin and turn your head towards your right shoulder.With your left hand, grab the back of your head from the top right rear and pull with your hand as if you wanted to turn your head even further. Walk only up to the pain threshold.
Blocked vertebrae in this area should be released by the pressure exerted.
Relaxation of the muscles: Stand or sit up straight and upright. Now pull the shoulder as high as possible towards the ears. Hold the tension for about 20 seconds and then let the shoulders slowly sink back into their original position. Repeat the exercise three times.