Exercising Your Core Safely With Neck Pain
If your neck pain interferes with work or daily activities, develops after an accident, lasts for a week or more, or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications, make sure to speak with your doctor before starting to exercise.
When you perform the exercises in this article, keep your abs contracted to control each movement. This lessens your chance of reinjury and ensures you’re strengthening the muscles that support your head and torso. “Form is more important than speed and intensity,” says Dr. Babaria.
Finally, be mindful of how the exercises are affecting your pain. “If your injury is improving and there are no upper-extremity symptoms associated with the neck pain — such as weakness, numbness and tingling, or shooting pain in the arms or upper back — it’s best to exercise slowly and rest as and when you need to,” Babaria explains.
But, “if your pain is increasing with exercise, it’s wise to see a physical therapist for more guidance,” he warns.
With this safety information in mind, here are the five neck-friendly ab exercises you can try.
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