Neck Pain: McKenzie Exercises for Treatment of Neck Pain

An introduction to McKenzie exericses for neck pain. These exericses are a simple way for individuals to address posture deficiencies and help to rapidly correct neck pain on their own with some basic exercises.

These exercises can increase pain in some people, especially the first time you try them. So, be sure to consult with your physician or PT before starting any new exercise program.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• physician
• headaches
• exercise

[backexercisedoc]

I am an amateur videographer. We are working on my skills.

[backexercisedoc]

I like the "The Original McKenzie Cervical Roll Neck." These can be purchased on Amazon.com.

[backexercisedoc]

You are activating muscle broadly around the neck. To some degree the neck flexors (including SCM) are engaged. You are also engaging the levators scapulae and other muscle groups. This exercise, though, is not intended to strengthen specific muscles as it is to mobilize/stretch tissues, work on postural awareness and unload tissues. It is similar to the McKenzie press-up that we use for low back pain, which has evidence suggesting it is helpful with disc-related issues.

[JennifersImages]

I've had neck and shoulder pain for YEARS! Migraines too. Finally, Spine MD sent me to PT. I've been doing these exercises and sitting and standing up straight.

I had forgotten what being without pain felt like. Woohoo! AND yesterday morning, woke up with a pounding headache with neck pain - did the first 2 exercises, and both pains were gone at the end of the 2nd set!  GONE! (I've got the neck roll for the pillow too - helps!

[backexercisedoc]

@JennifersImages Thanks for the feedback. These exercises are simple and really effective. I am glad that they have been helpful for you.

[backexercisedoc]

Thanks for the comments. I agree that a video and commentary regarding traction would be useful. I am working on getting a number of additional videos on topics like this ready and I would appreciate your feedback.

[spinenutrition]

@thepowerwriter I am not familiar with the content on the Fixing You series. I would assume there is some similarity. A lot of these exercises stem from the work of Robin McKenzie, PT who authored a book called Treat Your Own Back (or Neck). The goal for many of these exercises is to empower people to be able to address the issues that cause neck and back pain. In my videos and blog I generally try to pair McKenzie exercises with strengthening/stablization exercises. Hopefully that helps.

[spinenutrition]

@thepowerwriter That is a good question. Shoulder and neck symptoms often overlap. Some of these exercises could be helpful for neck pain.  Exercises targeting postural change can help both neck and shoulder issues. I often additionally recommend exercises for strengthening the upper back/scapular stabilization for shoulder issues. I will try to post a video response with some exercises for shoulder issues. I also have some of these exercises on my blog The Back Exercise Doctor.

[thepowerwriter]

What if the pain is actually from the shoulder. Do these exercises work the shoulders?

[thepowerwriter]

How do these exercises compare to the Fixing You series?

[And0natoR]

did you have to put the video sideways.. i have a bad neck as it is

[yousefd7]

Hello. Do you recommend a specific sleeping pillow for your patients in addition to these exercises? say for a 5'6'' female, about 150 Ibs. Thanks.

[WatchOut20Me]

in the cervical retraction exercise, wt muscles are activated while doing it?