- What are the symptoms
- When it's serious
- How the treatment is done
- Pilates exercises for cervical spine rectification
- Exercise 1: Example of 'YES'
- Exercise 2: Ex. 'NO'
- Exercise 3: Creepy Cat X Hatching Cat
- Exercise 4: roll down x roll up
- Exercise 5: Stretches
Treatment for rectification of the cervical spine should be done with corrective exercises, performed in physical therapy. Several treatment methods can be used, according to the individual's needs, such as the Pilates method or RPG - global postural reeducation, for example. The use of hot compresses and electrostimulation devices may be recommended in case of pain.
The rectification of physiological cervical lordosis is when the individual is observed from the side and it is observed that the smooth curvature that should exist between his neck and the back is not present, which can happen for several factors. The term physiological means that it is 'normal', and it is normal to have a lordosis of the cervical spine, but when it is without this natural curvature, we call it a rectification of the physiological or anatomical cervical lordosis.
What are the symptoms
Not all people who have a cervical rectification have symptoms, in the milder cases just look at the individual from the side to notice the absence of the lordotic curve that should be present in the neck region. But signs and symptoms of cervical rectification include:
- Pain in the cervical spine; Pain in the middle of the back; Stiffness of the spine; Decreased range of motion in the trunk; Muscle contractures in the trapezius; Disc protrusion that can progress to herniated disc.
The diagnosis can be made by the doctor or physiotherapist when looking at the individual from the side, in a physical evaluation. There is not always the need to perform imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans, but these can be useful when there are symptoms, such as tingling in the head, arms, hands or fingers, or even a burning sensation, which may indicate a compression of the nerve that may be happening due to a herniated cervical disc.
When it's serious
The rectification of the cervical spine alone is not a serious alteration, but it can cause pain, discomfort in the neck region, and can increase the risk of developing spinal arthrosis, so it can be treated conservatively, with physiotherapy sessions., without the need for surgery.
How the treatment is done
To treat rectification of the cervical spine, mobility exercises and muscle strengthening are recommended, such as the Pilates method, with the help of a physiotherapist. In addition, when symptoms are present, it may be indicated to do some physiotherapy sessions to control pain and discomfort, where resources such as warm bags, ultrasound and TENS can be used. The use of cervical spine manipulation techniques is also indicated, such as manual cervical traction and stretching of the neck and shoulder girdle muscles. However, the physiotherapist may indicate another type of treatment that he deems most appropriate, according to the patient's personal assessment.
Pilates exercises for cervical spine rectification
Numerous exercises can be indicated, according to the need of each one, since rectification is not usually the only alteration of the spine, but the rectification of the lumbar and the hypomobility of the entire column may also be present. The purpose of the exercises should be to strengthen the cervical extensor muscles, which are in the posterior neck, and to stretch the cervical flexors, which are in the anterior neck. Some examples of Pilates exercises are:
Exercise 1: Example of 'YES'
- Lie on your back with your legs bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. A small space should be kept between the lumbar spine and the floor, as if there were a grape. The individual should notice that the middle of the head touches the floor, as well as scapulas and coccyxThe exercise consists of dragging the head on the ground, making the movement of the 'YES' in a small amplitude, without dislodging the head from the ground
Exercise 2: Ex. 'NO'
- In the same position as in the previous exercise You should drag your head on the floor, making the 'NO' movement, in a small amplitude, without dislodging your head from the floor
Exercise 3: Creepy Cat X Hatching Cat
- In the position of 4 supports, or of cats, with hands and knees resting on the floor. Try to put your chin on your chest and force the middle of your back up. Next, you should look forward while upturning your butt and moving your middle back down, in a dynamic movement
Exercise 4: roll down x roll up
- In the standing position with your legs slightly apart and your arms relaxed along your body, bring your chin close to your chest and roll your spine forward, flexing your torso forward, vertebra by vertebra. Leave your arms loose until you touch your hands on the floor, never moving chin of the chestTo move up the spine slowly, vertebra by vertebra until completely erect
Exercise 5: Stretches
In the sitting position, keep your arms at your sides and lean your neck to each side: right, left and back, maintaining the stretch for about 30 seconds at a time.
The physiotherapist will be able to indicate other exercises, according to the need. Each exercise can be repeated 10 times, and when the movements are getting 'easy' you can increase the exercise with towels, elastic bands, balls or other equipment. If you experience pain when performing any of these exercises, you should stop and do not exercise at home.
