Neck Exercises Help Relieve Pain and Stiffness

Neck exercises can help relieve pain and stiffness in the neck caused by arthritis. Putting joints through their full range-of-motion each day can help keep joints moving. For people with arthritis, neck exercises must be done slowly and gently.

One of our forum members wrote, "I've been having some stiff neck issues as of late. I have one of those fancy pillows with the dip in it (cervical pillow), but it doesn't seem to be helping. I've tried switching pillows but it doesn't help either. Does anyone have any suggestions or some neck exercises I can try?"

Neck exercises and other range-of-motion exercises for people with arthritis are demonstrated at:

• Range-of-motion exercises, from UW Medicine
• Pain in the Neck, from Arthritis Reseach Campaign
• Neck Strain Rehabilitation Exercises, from University of Michigan
• Conditioning and strengthening exercises for ankylosing spondylitis

Discuss exercise with your doctor. It is your responsibility to inform your doctor of any changes you make to your treatment plan, including exercise. Your doctor may recommend a consultation with a physical therapist to be sure you are doing the right exercises for your specific condition.

• More About Neck Pain
• Arthritis and Exercise Quiz
• Exercise: Essential Treatment For Arthritis
• How To Exercise When You Have Arthritis
• How Do Arthritis Patients Perceive Exercise?
• Over One-Third of People With Arthritis Get No Exercise

_{Photo by Amanda Rohde (iStockphoto)}