Three exercises to avoid when you have neck arthritis

Arthritis can affect any of the joints in your body. While many people think of arthritis as something that affects the hips, knees and hands, it can also affect the vertebrae in the spine and other smaller joints. When arthritis affects the vertebrae in your cervical spine, or rather, your neck, it can make your daily life more difficult.

Exercising is a great way to help reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Stronger muscles provide better support and mobility in the affected areas. However, if you have neck arthritis, there are a few exercises you’re better off avoiding if you don’t want to make your pain worse. 

Three exercises to avoid when you have neck arthritis 

1. Situps — Situps are helpful exercises for engaging the muscles in your core, which helps reduce lower back pain. However, situps can often lead to back pain and neck pain when done improperly. If you have arthritis in the neck, it’s best to avoid situps unless instructed otherwise by your physical therapist.
2. Bridges — Bridges are exercises that involve lying on your back and raising your hips into the air while keeping your feet flat on the ground. These are great exercises for engaging the muscles in your core and thighs, but they put a lot of pressure on the neck. This can exacerbate your symptoms if you have neck arthritis, so you may want to avoid bridges and other similar exercises.
3. Military press — A military press is any exercise that involves pushing a weight above your head. Military presses are useful for helping to strengthen the shoulders and even the neck muscles. However, when you have arthritis in the neck, these exercises can cause a lot of pain. 

Visit Excel Sports & Physical Therapy for neck arthritis treatment

Are you living with arthritis in the neck that affects your daily life? Our physical therapists at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help you figure out which exercises to try and which ones to avoid. Contact our team today for more information about neck arthritis or to schedule an initial appointment.