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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What exercises can help back and neck pain?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Pain
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    Helen Potter

    Physiotherapist

    As a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with extensive experience and highly advanced qualifications, as well as excellent communication skills, I can help you to: Become informed … View Profile

    We know that the body and mind both like to move. Exercise can ease pain, improve movement range and quality and ultimately help you be active and feel good. However, no-one can tell you what exercises will help your neck or back best until you know what type of problem you have!

    Some spines will respond to general movements and fitness traing, others need very specific variations in direction, speed and quality of motion. Overactive muscles need to be quietened and underactive core muscles encouraged. Some stiff spinal segments will be happier if they are moving more while others are crying out for better  support. Some people find their back likes arching to reverse too much sitting but this will aggravate someone who needs curling or flexion motion.

    So the short answer is: See an expereinced registered health professional with knowledge of pathology and skilled in posture and movment analysis. You need to find someone with the expertise to help you understand what you need. The more targeted teh exercise the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
    Helen Potter Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

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  • Antony Lo

    Physiotherapist

    Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (trainee Specialist) in Marrickville, Sydney, NSW, Australia. I specialise in the spine, especially the thorax and pelvis (SIJ). I enhance sports performance, address … View Profile

    I agree with Helen.

    Some exercises that are good for some people can make other people worse.

    See someone who is qualified to help identify what is causing your back and neck pain, what the contributing factors are and then how to address these issues…sometimes, exercises aren't the answer!!

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    Antony Lo Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (Specialist-In-Training)

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    Sandra McFaul

    Physiotherapist

    Do you suffer from chronic lower back pain or neck pain? Based in SYDNEY, Sandra is 1 of ONLY 15 Physiotherapists in Australia with ADVANCED … View Profile

    Most people experience back and neck pain from too much stooping or flexion movements of their spine.  I would suggest a good starting point is extension exercises.  It'sthe opposite of flexion - think of it as restoring the balance. 

    Physiotherapists who are trained in the McKenzie Method will be able to perform a repeated movement assessment and tell you the one or two key exercises that are good for you for the rest of yoru life.

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