The cervical spine relies heavily on muscular support. Especially the deep muscles in the front and back of the neck. Some experts estimate that up to 70% of the stability of the cervical spine comes from these deep neck muscles. Studies show that the rapid acceleration-deceleration forces placed on the neck during a motor vehicle collision can injure the deep neck muscles. Electromyographic (EMG) testing were ran on whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) patients. Tests have shown that those with higher pain intensity had reduced deep muscle function in the front and back of the spine. Treatment plans for non-specific neck pain recommend incorporating neck-specific exercises into the treatment process.
Whiplash-Associated Disorder Study
A 2018 study viewed 26 patients with chronic WAD and evaluated the role of neck-specific exercises. These included craniocervical flexion which is tucking in the chin and approximating the chin toward the chest while looking straight ahead without bending the head forward. This helps improve muscle performance, disability, and pain intensity over the course of a three-month time frame.
After three months, the researchers used a special type of diagnostic ultrasound to measure function. Cervical function was measured in one large superficial muscle and two deep muscles in the front of the neck. Researchers observed that the participants in the neck-specific exercises (NSE) group experienced significant improvements. This is with respect to muscle function, disability, and pain intensity that were not among those in a “wait list” group who were the controls.
At the three-month point, the members of the control group were placed in the NSE group. Three months later, the researchers observed that participants experienced the same improvements. This study supports the need for specific neck exercises to reduce pain, disability, and improve function.
Conclusion
When you injure the deep muscles, the body recruits superficial muscles to help stabilize the body and maintain posture. This can protect the deep muscles from further injury short term. Long term, it can decondition these muscles and allow fatty deposits to infiltrate their tissue. Exercises are so important in the recovery process from musculoskeletal injuries. There’s research that says up to half of WAD patients will experience pain and disability a year after their accident. Seeking treatment for WAD as soon as possible is important to reduce the risk of chronicity.
