Neck pain and stiffness are common complaints, and these problems can come and go chronically for years. Numerous studies suggest exercise and chiropractic care as two of the best approaches for gaining control over this disabling condition. The management of weak pelvic/low back stabilizing muscles can have significant benefits for those suffering from neck pain.

Stabilization Benefits Review

Physical therapists in Brazil and Australia performed a literature review of the benefits of specific stabilization exercises for spinal and pelvic pain. They looked at disability, return to work, number of episodes, global perceived benefit, and quality of life factors. They searched for the beneficial effects for low back, pelvic pain, and dysfunction but also the benefits for headaches. This is with or without neck pain and any related disability. They found significant research support for improving pelvic pain. They also find support for preventing recurrence after an acute episode of low back pain. Cervicogenic headache and neck pain improved from low back/pelvic stabilization exercises. Researchers found that patients achieve significant improvement when stabilization exercises focus on the individual patient vs. a generic stabilization program. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is the most effective treatment for cervicogenic headache and neck pain patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stabilizing the low back and pelvis helps. It offers the neck and head a better foundation to rest. An analogy would be a house with a weak foundation resulting in the whole house being in jeopardy. The head is dramatically affected by weak pelvic stability than areas closer to the pelvis/low back.

Researchers have found that chiropractors can significantly improve neck pain, balance, and headaches in chronic neck pain patients. Strengthen the deep neck flexors, or the muscles that attach directly to the front of the cervical spine. Treatments that promote movement such as spinal manipulation can result in better outcomes for the whiplash patient. The “key” to the greatest success is chiropractic adjustments + cervical range of motion exercises + cervical stabilization exercises + lumbar/pelvis stabilization exercises. Traditionally, “rest and heat” are common for neck pain patients. If conditions are worse, they are placed in a cervical collar and taken off work to rest. Chiropractors embrace not only spinal manipulation but also patient-specific range-of-motion and strengthening/stabilization forms of exercises. These serve as the “main ingredients” of care when patients present for neck pain and headaches.