Cervical–or neck–symptoms are not only associated with neck pain. For example, dizziness/vertigo, headaches, stiffness, fogginess, lightheadedness, balance/coordination, difficulty concentrating, shoulder tension, and discomfort with everyday activities can all be associated with problems involving the cervical spine.
In a study Iqbal et al, 65 teachers with neck pain/disability were included in a study exploring the efficacy of deep neck flexor (DNF) muscle training on neck pain, functional disability, and muscle endurance. According to the results, the teachers showed improvements in all three categories; neck pain, functional disability, and muscle endurance.
Also, in a study by Blomgren et al, DNF training was used in comparison to cervical endurance, strength, proprioception and mobility training, muscle stretching, and no intervention control groups. Strong evidence indicates that DNF training enhances neuromuscular coordination, although its effects on strength and endurance under higher loads are minimal or small. DNF training also appears to improve head and cervical posture, while evidence regarding other outcomes remains limited or inconsistent.
At Ke Ola Kino Physical Therapy (KOK PT), our outpatient physical therapists take a comprehensive approach to treating cervical-related conditions, as well as many other different pathologies and body regions. Depending on your individual evaluation and goals, your treatment plan may include mobility work, postural training, manual therapy, strengthening, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercises/activities for the deep muscles that support the neck. A neat tool that could be used in an appropriate rehabilitation program is Iron Neck training, particularly when paired with deep neck flexor training.
The Iron Neck is a training system designed to provide controlled cervical movements, while being able to add resistance to allow for steady progression of one’s neck abilities. Performing repetitive neck exercises can provide initial relief and progression, but holds a much lower ceiling than when it’s compared to training with the Iron Neck. Just as any other exercise, progressive resistance can help patients develop a greater strength capacity for the demands placed on their neck during work, recreation, and exercise. Although, more resistance is not always the answer, which is why an individualized physical therapy evaluation is important before beginning higher-level cervical resistance training. Cervical physical therapy can be appropriate for a variety of musculoskeletal/neurological conditions.
Come down to Ke Ola Kino Physical Therapy and learn why combining DNF training with progressive neck strengthening could be key to your cervical spine rehabilitation!
Resource:
- Blomgren J, Strandell E, Jull G, Vikman I, Röijezon U. Effects of deep cervical flexor training on impaired physiological functions associated with chronic neck pain: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018;19(1):415. Published 2018 Nov 28. doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2324-z
- Blomgren J, Strandell E, Jull G, Vikman I, Röijezon U. Effects of deep cervical flexor training on impaired physiological functions associated with chronic neck pain: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018;19(1):415. Published 2018 Nov 28. doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2324-z
Asher Ginoza, SPT
Student Physical Therapist
Hawaiʻi Pacific University
Edited by Dr. Ryan Valenciano, PT, DPT, OCS
