Self-Help for the Neck Through Novel Movements

While low back pain may be one of the most common complaints seen by doctors, neck and upper back/shoulder pain is the most common complaint seen in my office. So many people spend their days sitting in front of a computer, head forward and motionless for hours at a time, it seems inevitable that eventually the neck and upper back are going to begin to  protest. I encourage clients to get up and move as often as possible and especially to move in directions that are different from or opposite to the direction in which they've held themselves for extended periods. The body wants to move and likes variety of movement.

Cory Blickenstaff, P.T., is a physical therapist in Vancouver, WA. He has a particular interest in incorporating understanding how the nervous system operates into physical therapy. I recently posted his video of Novel Movements for the Hand, Wrist, and Elbow and it's been very popular with clients. In these two videos, Cory demonstrates Novel Movements for the Neck. My clients who have tried them have liked them a lot.

 

  

 

 Cory notes:

There is no need to push these movements or for them to be uncomfortable at any time. Please keep this in mind if you try them yourself. . . I frequently use these in clinic for people with neck pain, headaches, radiating arm pain as well as for "warm up" and micro breaking movements for people exposed to a lot of sitting.

For more information on the concept of novelty in movement, visit Cory's blog at http://blog.forwardmotionpt.com

Massage can help to reduce the feeling stiffness and soreness in the neck and practicing these Novel Movements for the Neck can help you continue feeling good after your massage.

Enjoy!

 

Submitted byJennifer (not verified)on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 12:25am

Excellent! Thanks for sharing, Alice. I just tried these movements while sitting at the computer and I love the immediate results!