What exercises are best for neck osteophytes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with osteophytes at the c4 level and the doctor advised me to get neck physio exercise from a physiotherapist. Could you please suggest what kind of neck exercises I should do? Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your report (attachment removed to protect patient's identity), and yes physiotherapeutic exercises can help you a lot in relieving pain and symptoms. I suggest you start doing neck isometric exercises- 10 repetitions. Place one hand with the palm placed at the side of your head and try to move your head towards the palm, but resist the head movement with the palm. No visible movement of the head should take place and only contraction of the neck muscles will happen. Do this twice daily.

*Repeat with the hand placed on the other side of the head and the same procedure.

*It should be done with the hand placed on the sides, front, and back of the head.

*Active exercises like side bending of head on both sides,10 repetitions, backward bending, and forward bending five times.

*Stretching of side neck muscles. Place your left hand on the right side ear with your hand coming over your head and touching the ear, place the right hand behind your back. Now try to stretch the head towards the left side with your left hand so that the stretch on the right side neck muscles Is felt. Repeat on the other side. Do this for 15 repetitions on each side.

I hope you find this helpful. Thank you.