The top or neck portion of your spine is called the cervical spine. Over time, this portion of the spine can start to narrow, putting pressure on the delicate nerves in your spinal cord. This condition is called cervical stenosis and is a major cause of neck pain. Cervical stenosis affects more than just your neck. It also can impair your leg and arm movements. To reduce pain and stiffness, your physician may recommend performing physical therapy exercises. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program, however.
Program Aspects
While your physician or physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment program for you, your exercise routine for cervical stenosis will typically consist of some common components. These include stretching exercises for your neck, abdomen, arms and legs. If you are able, you also may perform cardiovascular conditioning exercises, such as walking on a treadmill, swimming, or using an arm cycle to encourage circulation and oxygen flow in your body. Finally, strengthening exercises may help stabilize the muscles around the neck, shoulders and torso, which could be affected by cervical stenosis.
Sample Exercises
Examples of exercises when you have cervical spinal stenosis include facing your head forward and then leaning to your left side as if you are stretching to touch your ear to your left shoulder. Hold this position for five seconds, then release and repeat on the opposite side. Another flexibility exercise involves moving the heard forward, and then backward, so you feel a stretch in the front and back of your neck.
Benefits
Exercise can potentially have benefits when you experience cervical spinal stenosis. Examples include increased flexibility, which helps reduce pain when your muscles become bunched or tightened around your neck. The additional strength from exercising also can help you feel more capable in managing your activities of daily living, such as comfortably changing from sitting to standing positions. Because cervical stenosis tends to be a progressive disease, performing exercise interventions as soon as possible can help minimize symptoms whenever possible.
Warning
Because cervical stenosis can contribute to symptoms that affect your balance and walking abilities, such as having the sensation of “wobbly” legs, exercise may not be appropriate for all patients. You may require the use of assistive devices, such as a neck brace, when performing physical therapy exercises. Always discuss your limitations with your physical therapist or physician and remain seated if you experience dizziness or leg buckling sensations while you are exercising.
References
- North American Spine Society; Cervical Stenosis & Myelopathy; 2006
- Spine Universe; Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Patient History and Case: Steven Garfin, M.D. and Christompher Bono, M.D.; February 2010
- Spine-Health; Cervical Stenosis With Myelopathy; Peter Ullrich, M.D.; August 2009
- Princeton Brain & Spine Care; Cervical Stenosis Causes and Treatment; 2011
- University of Maryland; Neck Exercises; 2011
