Why does Aerobic Exercise Help My Neck Feel Better?

The case for aerobic exercise in management of neck pain is an interesting one. At first blush, it does not seem to make much sense, but lets look a little closer.



Besides the obvious short term benefits of aerobic activity, including improved circulation and muscular relaxation as well as pain inhibition. Aerobic exercise causes one to breathe deeply by expanding the rib cage, which is obvious lower down in
the rib cage. That process is really designed to get oxygen deeper into the lungs during exercise when more oxygen is needed in the working muscles. One thing often overlooked is that the rib cage is also expanded in the region of the upper rib case with the upper ribs expanding upwards to further expand the lungs. This upper rib cage action is controlled by the accessory muscles of respiration which are mostly neck muscles.


The cervical spine, the rib cage and shoulder share many muscles, muscles that originate in the cervical spine, for example and insert into the first two ribs like the Scalene muscles, or muscles that originate on the Scapula and insert into the cervical spine like the Levator Scapula.









The Levator Scapula, because of this relationship is the muscle primarily responsible for the experience of a stiff neck.

Aerobic exercise raises the body temperature, relaxes the neck muscles, improves circulation, and calms the mind through the manufacture of endorphines, natural opiates, even as it really helps to reduce neck pain.

I routinely advise people suffering cervical spine dysfunction to perform aerobic exercise as a critical component of their rehab program. It helps tremendously.