4 Stretches that Help to Relieve pinched nerves in the neck - Men's health

If you’re one one of many who’ve suffered from squeezed nerve You’re aware of how irritating the signs are, particularly when you’re trying to keep up an exercise routine.

Numbness and weakness in your fingers could make it hard to accomplish anything. It can cause pain in the neck and upper back and arms which can make desk work or more intense work and activities painful. While not weighing in any discomfort condition could make training for strength with any kind of weight impossible as the weight you are holding can be difficult.

Pinched nerves can be found everywhere throughout the body. Here Physical therapy Philip Tam, PT, DPT of Bespoke Treatments guides us through stretches to ease some of the more commonly used kinds of pinched nerve located within the neck.

What is a pinched nerve?

Pinched nerve is precisely what it does sound like. A nerve is being pressed by the surrounding tissue, and as a result it loses circulation. The pressure could be caused by surrounding muscles, cartilage or bones, based on the site of the pinch.

As the pressure increases and the nerves inside our nerves loose a little of the route they use to conduct and cause symptoms such as weakness, numbness and the sensation of tingling.

What is the reason for a pinched nerve in the neck?

Tam specifically addresses cervical radiculopathy which is among the most frequent causes of pulled nerve within your neck. Tam clarifies how the cervical spine is the region of your spine that form your neck. The cervical spine is comprised of seven vertebrae or spinal bones and is responsible for supporting and motion in your head. It also houses the majority the nerves as they travel across the brain and into the rest of your body.

Herniations of these disks , and muscle strains in the arms and neck, in addition, could result in vertebrae putting pressure on nerves, which can cause the tingling and numbness which is often connected to pulled nerve within the neck.

Tam breaks through these four stretching exercises for arm and neck to relieve tension.

4 Stretches to soothe pinched nerves

Chin Tuck

The move is easy but it is effective, lifting the compression of this nerve root. It can help to strengthen the muscles in that side of the neck referred to as deep cervical muscles and also stretch the muscles at the back of the neck.


What Do I Do This:

  • Straighten your shoulders and stand up straight with your shoulders lowered and back.
  • Keep your eyes up and keep looking ahead.
  • Do a chin-down and back like you’re trying to avoid a kiss.
  • Keep it for 3 seconds before you return to regular. Try to do three sets of 10-12 repetitions.

Levator Scapula Stretch

The levator scapula muscle is located at the neck as well as the shoulder. Tightness within it could be the most common reason for nerve pinches that cause discomfort across the arm. This will allow you to stretch the muscle and allow some joint space within the cervical spine. Make sure to limit the stretch to a point where you feel at a level that is comfortable.


The Way Do I Do This:

  • Straighten your shoulders and stand up straight and keep your shoulders straight and back.
  • The arm should be lifted to 90 degrees, with a bend at the elbows.
  • Check the armpit.
  • Grab the arm that you are holding, and grasp the back of the head.
  • Keep the stretch in place for 20 seconds, then repeat 3 times per side.

Median Nerve Floss

Median nerve is among the biggest nerves running along your arm. It is the victim in a lot of nerve pinch situations. This helps activate the nerve to allow it to start firing in a normal manner.


What do I Do This:

  • Straighten your shoulders and stand up straight and keep your shoulders straight and back.
  • Lift your shoulder up to create a 90-degree angle.
  • Extend your arm towards the side, gradually opening the elbow prior to shifting to the wrist.
  • Feel the stretch of the palm of your hand.
  • If you feel comfortable it is possible to add a head tilt to the other side, to let the neck open.
  • Begin with 2 groups of between 8 and 10 reps each side. If you feel better after the second set Feel free to include another set.

Quadruped Cat Cow

If you are suffering from back pain or neck pain then this treatment is ideal for you. It can restore motion to the neck and the upper back.


What do I Do it:

  • Begin by placing your hands on your knees. Then, sink the hips back into your heels to get the lower back from the equation.
  • Turn out your back and then bring your chin towards the chest.
  • Then, arch the back and stretch the neck upwards.
  • Alternate these two positions and try to complete 10 reps in 3 sets.

Particularly when treating pinched nerves ensure that you move to a point where you’re confident in the moves. If you experience any burning, tingling or numbness-like sensations become more intense, stop what are doing and seek the assistance of your physician or physical therapy.

To get more tips from physical therapists that can aid you in your movement and feel better, read our entire guide fromThe Fix program .

Cori Ritchey NASM-CPT is an associate health & Fitness Editor for Men’s Health and a certified personal trainer and instructor for group fitness. You can read more about her work on HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self and many more.