Stretching exercises for the cervical spine - why should you do them?

Causes of neck pain?

Most cases of pain in the cervical spine are a consequence of muscular overload changes and degenerative processes within the cartilage and bone elements. Degenerative changes are a significant effect of the progressive ageing process of the body. The gradual loss of flexibility of these structures results in reduced mobility, which in turn leads to a weakening of the cervical region and an increased susceptibility to excessive strain.

In fact, these are only some of the causes of neck pain, which is often accompanied by a feeling of heavy and excessively tense shoulders. Physiotherapists point out that pain is a frequent effect of the everyday lifestyle:

• working for many hours at a computer
• prolonged use of mobile phones
• inappropriate choice of pillow and hardness of mattress
• high levels of stress, e.g. due to the nature of work
• poor exercise technique, e.g. during strength and endurance training

Weakening of the anatomical and functional state of the cervical spine is a result of an improperly balanced diet. A lack of certain essential substances (e.g. collagen, magnesium, vitamin D3, hyaluronic acid) can cause a reduction in the strength of bone structures. Flex Xplode by Olimp Sport Nutrition is a valuable supplement to the daily nutritional plan, whose multicomponent formula provides multidimensional support for the musculoskeletal system.

Simple cervical spine stretching exercises

One of the easiest ways to get rid of neck pain is to reach for painkillers. Unfortunately, in this case the symptoms are counteracted and the cause of the problem still remains. How to remedy it? It is worth deciding on doing systematic stretching exercises for the cervical spine, which will strengthen the weakened muscles and help to restore the optimal level of flexibility of ligaments, fascia and joint capsules.

1. In a supine position, place a rolled up towel under your occiput. Relax and let your head hang slightly off the edge of the bed. Hold the position for a few minutes and breathe regularly.
2. Sit on a chair. Interlace your hands and place them on the back of your head. Then press your head against your palms and at the same time do not let your head move away. Hold the tension for about 15 seconds and then relax - repeat the whole sequence several times.
3. In a sitting position, place your left palm against your left ear. Then press your head against your hand and at the same time resist with your palm. Hold the tension for about 15 seconds and then relax - repeat the whole sequence several times. Do this exercise on both sides.