Managing Neck Pain with Clinical Pilates
Neck pain occurs in 30-50% of adults in the general population in any given year. In the United States, neck pain and back pain represented the highest health care expenditure out of 154 conditions at a total payout of $134 Billion¹. If these data points seem large, that’s because they are! Neck pain occurs often in many people of all ages, and the causes of pain can be dynamic and varied. They include:
Poor posture with sustained forward head position
Heavy lifting with inappropriate form
Whiplash injury
Twisting or turning your neck in a too fast or jarring manner
Weak neck muscles
Arthritic change or narrowing of the spine
Ruptured disc
Medical conditions like fibromyalgia
The symptoms of neck pain can vary widely, but how they present can help a clinician understand what structures and tissues are in need of healing. In our clinic, we often hear our clients talk about:
Neck and headache pain with computer work
Pain with neck rotation to one side
Tingling and numbness into arm
Stiffness in the morning or when trying to sleep
Inability to feel comfortable lifting or carrying heavy objects
What is Pilates?
“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.” - Joseph Pilates
Pilates is a type of movement control and exercise format that emphasizes postural length, strength, and flexibility. In practice, the Pilates method is a mind-body exercise that requires core stability, strength, and flexibility, and attention to muscle control, posture, and breathing. Pilates exercises can be performed both on a mat or on specialized spring assisted equipment such as a Reformer.
The Role of Clinical Pilates for Neck Pain
Whereas Pilates in the group fitness setting is generalist in nature and not necessarily appropriate for people who are actively injured, Clinical Pilates describes using the method for individuals rehabilitating from injury. Pilates can be a powerful adjunct to healing, and is used to promote coordination in movement, postural control, and connection to the core. For people with neck pain, they often struggle to find and support postures that are pain free. Pilates supports postural correction by helping to activate small stability muscles of the neck, like the deep neck flexors, and bigger muscles support muscles, like the middle and lower trapezius.
Benefits of Clinical Pilates for Neck Pain
Improved core strength and stability
Increased flexibility and range of motion
Enhanced body awareness and posture
Additionally, Pilates can be scaled in intensity and challenge to meet needs of the patient. One might start exercising on the Reformer apparatus or the mat if you are too weak or your pain level prevents the ability to support your head in an upright position. Over time, the one can progress and engage with the method in upright positions or more weighted maneuvers that increase challenge to the neck region. What we love about the Pilates system is that it meets patients where they are and allows both therapist and patients many opportunities for creativity and growth!
Getting Started
Clinical pilates can play a valuable role in managing neck pain in persons of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. It offers numerous benefits such as improved core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. As with all exercise systems used in rehabilitation, the supervising clinician must design a program that is specific to the needs of the patient. By combining appropriate pilates exercises with the other tools available in the physical therapy environment, you can effectively manage your current neck pain and ultimately, become pain free through better posture, awareness, and a stronger set of muscles supporting your spine and neck. At Thrive, we have a number of therapists who utilize clinical pilates in their therapeutic approach with patients. Email us at info@thrivept.com an
References:
Shin DW, Shin JI, Koyanagi A, Jacob L, Smith L, Lee H, Chang Y, Song TJ. Global, regional, and national neck pain burden in the general population, 1990-2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019. Front Neurol. 2022 Sep 1;13:955367. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.955367. PMID: 36119688; PMCID: PMC9477009.
Pilates Foundation. February 2024. https://www.pilatesfoundation.com/
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