Dr. Alex Jimenez, El Paso's Chiropractor
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Cervical Retraction: An Effective Exercise for Neck Pain Relief

Can cervical retraction be a good addition to a home exercise program for individuals with neck pain, spinal arthritis, or needing to strengthen their neck muscles?

Cervical Retraction: An Effective Exercise for Neck Pain Relief

Cervical Retraction

Cervical retraction is a neck exercise that involves gently sliding the head backward while keeping the chin tucked. It can help with:

  • Neck pain
  • Stretching and loosening the muscles at the back of the neck.
  • Headaches
  • Tightness
  • Improve posture
  • Improve flexibility and mobility

Preparation

Basic steps for performing a cervical retraction exercise:

  • Sit upright with good posture.
  • Tuck your chin as far as you can comfortably.
  • Look up while keeping your chin tucked.
  • Rotate the neck 1-2 inches to each side.
  • Return to the starting position.
  • Stop the exercise if you experience pain.

You want to get good at this without loading the joints while learning the movement. Gently and accurately moving your head in alignment with the neck will help you find the correct head action as it moves. Then, it can be performed as a full exercise. Performing the movement correctly requires focus. This is why cervical retraction is done while sitting in a chair with proper posture. Individuals can also stand, but it is more complicated for the body to coordinate than sitting, but it can be done once the individual has practiced.

Sitting or Standing

  • Gently tuck your chin down toward your neck.
  • The focus is alignment.
  • Keeping your chin where it is, press your head back.
  • Feel the stretch at the back of your neck.
  • Relax and repeat.
  • Try doing 8-10 reps, with 3-4 daily sessions. (North American Spine Society, 2012)

Pain Management

  • There will be soreness, especially for those with pain symptoms, but the neck should feel better.
  • Be mindful of any intense or severe pain resulting from cervical retraction.
  • Individuals with cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis) stop if pain presents. (Cleveland Clinic, 2023)

Other Neck Exercises

Another good neck-strengthening exercise is the isometric neck press. In this exercise, you move your head forward, backward, and to each side while your hand provides resistance. This develops flexibility and is recommended for those with arthritis in this area.  (Sadeghi, A. et al., 2022) Other exercises include: (Pain Consultants of West Florida, 2019)

  • Neck extensions: Backward bending can help relieve nerve compression and ease the strain on the cervical spine.
  • Side rotation: This exercise can improve neck mobility.
  • Shoulder rolls: This exercise can help keep the neck and shoulder joints fluid.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

If you have a neck condition or radiculopathy that causes pain or other symptoms going down the arm or are unsure how to do it, check with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before trying the exercise. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.


Neck Injuries


References

North American Spine Society. (2012). Cervical exercise: The Backbone of Spine Treatment. www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Prevention/Exercise/Cervical-Exercise

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Could your neck pain actually be neck arthritis? my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17685-cervical-spondylosis

Pain Consultants of West Florida. (2019). Chronic Neck Pain: How Core Exercises Can Help. Our Blog. pcwfl.com/chronic-neck-pain-how-core-exercises-can-help/

Sadeghi, A., Rostami, M., Ameri, S., Karimi Moghaddam, A., Karimi Moghaddam, Z., & Zeraatchi, A. (2022). Effectiveness of isometric exercises on disability and pain of cervical spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 14(1), 108. doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00500-7

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Cervical Retraction: An Effective Exercise for Neck Pain Relief" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Again  We Welcome You¸

Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibilities to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Clinic Location 1

Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone
: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebDrAlexJimenez.com

Clinic Location 2

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebElPasoBackClinic.com

Clinic Location 3

Address: 1700 N Zaragoza Rd # 117
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebChiropracticScientist.com

Just Play Fitness & Rehab*

Address: 7100 Airport Blvd, Suite C
El Paso, TX 79906
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
WebChiropracticScientist.com

Push As Rx & Rehab

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
WebPushAsRx.com

Push 24/7

Address: 1700 E Cliff Dr
El Paso, TX 79902
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
WebPushAsRx.com

EVENTS REGISTRATION: Live Events & Webinars*

(Come Join Us & Register Today)

Call (915) 850-0900 Today!

Rated Top El Paso Doctor & Specialist by RateMD* | Years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021

Best Chiropractor In El Paso

Scan QR Code Here - Connect Here With Dr. Jimenez Personally

Qrcode Chiropractor
Dr. Jimenez QR Code

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

  1. Online Appointments or Consultations:  bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
  2. Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form:  bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History
  3. Online Functional Medicine Assessment:  bit.ly/functionmed

Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico *

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Preventing and Alleviating Back Spasms: Tips and Techniques" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card