Exercises for Neck Pain
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
At our East Dallas clinic we believe chiropractic care is more than adjustments—it’s about helping patients understand how posture, strength, mobility, and daily movement all contribute to a healthier neck. With the prevalence of technology and postures that bring our head and neck forward, we have found that patients coming in with neck pain don’t spend enough time working on exercises for the back of their neck. This lack of strength in the extensors leads to a shift in posture and puts more strain on the surrounding muscles. This is why neck extension exercises are such an important part of a balanced movement routine because they help maintain the strength, endurance, and mobility of the muscles that support the cervical spine. These exercises can be especially valuable for people who spend long hours sitting, looking down at screens, or working in positions that place the head forward of the shoulders. Over time, that posture contributes to stiffness, muscular imbalance, and discomfort in the neck and upper back.
When performed correctly, neck extension exercises help activate the posterior neck muscles, which play a key role in head control and postural stability. Strengthening these muscles may improve tolerance for daily activities such as driving, reading, lifting, and exercising. They can also support better alignment, which helps reduce strain on surrounding structures like the upper trapezius and shoulder girdle.
These exercises are also useful in rehabilitation settings. For individuals recovering from mild neck strain, postural dysfunction, or reduced cervical mobility, controlled extension movements can gradually restore normal range of motion and improve function. They also help decrease the likelihood of recurring discomfort by addressing weakness or poor endurance in the neck extensors.
Overall, neck extension exercises are a simple but meaningful way to promote spinal health, improve posture, and support functional movement. When included as part of an individualized program, they can contribute to better comfort, resilience, and long-term musculoskeletal wellbeing.
“…adults with neck pain show increased FHP when compared to asymptomatic adults and that FHP is significantly correlated with neck pain measures in adults and older adults.”
Mahmoud, Nesreen Fawzy, et al. “The relationship between forward head posture and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine 12.4 (2019): 562-577.
Our Message
When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our East Dallas Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., are here to teach you that taking care of your mental health and getting the proper nutrients are just as important as the chiropractic adjustment to stay healthy.
