Prescribing exercise for neck problems

Abstract

Neck pain, although it is seen less frequently than back pain, has been increasing in recent years due to sedentary living conditions. Neck pain is usually treated conservatively. Analgesics and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in combination with other drugs, and physical therapy modalities, such as TENS, heat treatment, manipulation, and mobilization, are the most common options in the treatment of neck pain. However, many reasons, such as failure to treat the defects that lead to pain or long-term pain resulting in muscle weakness, postural disorders, and decrease in range of motion, may cause pain persistence and chronicity. Neck exercises, therefore, play a key role in the treatment of painful or painless neck pathologies. Exercise programs that are suitable for disease-induced disorders should be prescribed by a specialist. It is essential that the controls should be monitored regularly, and the exercises at each stage should be revised and restructured. It is worth bearing in mind that while editing exercise programs, the thoracic spine, shoulder joint, and temporomandibular joint should be taken into consideration, which are in close relation with the neck.