A Simple Addition to Your Routine That Could Ease Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common issue that many people face—right now, about 10–20% of the population is dealing with it, and nearly 70% of people will experience it at some point in their lives. When your neck starts acting up, even the simplest tasks—like bending down to grab something or turning to check your blind spot while driving—can become a real challenge. Over time, these daily limitations can make you wonder, Why is this happening? and What can I do about it?
One of the best ways to tackle neck pain is through physical therapy. A well-rounded treatment plan typically includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and stability in the neck. But what if there was something else that could help—something that you might not expect?
Can Cardio Help with Neck Pain?
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of aerobic exercise, or “cardio,” for heart health, weight management, and overall fitness. Research also shows that aerobic exercise can be beneficial for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and back pain. But when it comes to neck pain specifically, there hasn’t been as much research—until now.
A recent study set out to see whether adding aerobic exercise to a standard neck-focused physical therapy program would lead to even better results.
The Study: Aerobic Exercise vs. Standard Treatment
In this study, 139 participants with neck pain were divided into two groups:
- Control group: Performed traditional neck-specific exercises twice a week for six weeks.
- Experimental group: Followed the same neck exercise program but also added aerobic cycling to their routine. They started with 20 minutes of moderate cycling per session in week one, increased to 30 minutes in week two, and then built up to 45 minutes for the remainder of the program.
The researchers assessed the participants at the start of the study, after six weeks of treatment, and then again three and six months later. They measured pain levels, range of motion, disability, headache frequency, and how patients viewed their ability to work and be active despite their neck pain.
The Results: A Strong Case for Adding Cardio
Both groups saw improvements in pain levels after the six-week program, but the patients who did aerobic exercise had even better results.
- Not only did their pain decrease more than the control group’s, but their improvements continued at the three- and six-month follow-ups.
- They also had greater reductions in disability and fear of movement.
- Their range of motion improved more, and they reported experiencing fewer headaches.
- Interestingly, the longer they stuck with aerobic exercise, the better their results over time.
What This Means for You
The takeaway? Neck-specific exercises are highly effective for reducing pain and improving mobility. But adding aerobic exercise could enhance those benefits—both in the short term and long term.
If you’re struggling with neck pain, a visit to a physical therapist is a great first step. At PhysioPoint Physical Therapy, we design customized treatment plans that may include a combination of stretching, strengthening, and yes—possibly even some aerobic exercise! The goal is to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love without pain holding you back.
Ready to take the first step? Contact PhysioPoint today to learn how we can help you find relief and build a stronger, healthier neck.
