Neck pain, also known as a cervical spine injury, is a fairly common issue that can be caused by various reasons. In most cases, symptoms can change with some stretching and heat therapy, but sometimes problems can be persistent over a long period of time. People often overlook the benefits of strengthening these muscles that help stabilize the neck and head. Not only can strengthening these muscles be used in rehab symptoms that show up in this area, but can even be helpful in preventing neck pain and tightness!

Neck Injuries and Pain

Cervical spine injuries and pain can be caused by various ways. Some of which are the following:

• • Extended periods of time in sitting (working on the computer)

• • Previous history of neck and upper back tightness

• • Previous history of shoulder or upper back injury

• • Sleeping position

• • Motor vehicle accident – whiplash associated disorder

• • Concussion and/or vestibular issue

• • Weakness in neck stabilizers

Symptoms of neck injury can include the following (but not always):

• • Neck and upper back soreness and pain

• • Neck musculature tightness

• • Radiating pain into the upper and mid back

• • Numbness and tingling into the arms and fingers

• • Reduced range of motion in the neck (looking down or shoulder checking whilst driving for example)

Strengthening the Neck Muscles and Stabilizers

Although this injury can feel persistent, you do not have to live with pain! Things can change! Many people who suffer neck pain are likely to have weak muscles in their necks, upper back, and core. As you strengthen those muscles, blood flow can improve healing, the nervous system can desensitize to pain sensations, and the strengthening can make the body more robust in general to combat day to day stressors.

By strengthening, the neck muscles can more likely maintain good posture by providing stability to the spine and trunk. Strengthening your muscles helps prevent injuries, particularly beneficial in high contact sports such as boxing and football. When you have neck pain, moderate strength training is incredibly beneficial.

The Iron Neck

Neck strengthening exercises and equipment in rehab can sometimes be limited. However, the Iron Neck is a recent invention that effectively targets strengthening the muscles in the cervical spine. Not only is this piece of specialized equipment beneficial with strengthening, but can improve pain sensation and range of motion in the neck. Because of its unique multidirectional resistance, it can even improve proprioception of the muscles and joint receptors, often an aspect that is lacking in traditional rehab exercises. In addition, its build allows for large range in progression of intensity that can be adjusted with ease! The Iron Neck is a common tool that we use for neck pain treatment here at Train with Purpose and it has shown to be effective in combating even the most persistent of neck pain symptoms!

Conclusion

Neck pain can certainly be a difficult problem that makes day to day tasks challenging. Although stretches and passive modalities may be helpful in managing symptoms, it is generally not always the best answer! Strengthening the stabilizer muscles in the neck can be the key in a lot of people with neck pain in relieving symptoms once and for all, and an effective way that we have found to be helpful is utilizing this equipment known as the Iron Neck. If you are curious about this and would like to learn more, please don’t be afraid to give us a shout! We are happy to help!