Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy Early Exercise Programme

Aim to perform this programme a minimum of once per day unless prescribed otherwise. As with any new exercise, start slowly (repetitions as able) and build up as you are able within the guidelines below.

Pain should not exceed 3/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.

Perform this exercise up to 10 times, rest for 1 minute. Repeat routine 2-3 times.

1. Thoracic rotations

  • Sitting in an upright chair put your arms across your chest to touch the opposite shoulder.
  • Twist to look over one shoulder as far as is comfortable and then repeat to the opposite side.
  • Try to build the speed of movement over time as you feel able.
Perform this exercise up to 10 times each direction, rest for 1 minute. Repeat routine 3 times.

2. Neck rotation

  • In sitting looking forward, turn your head as far to one side as you can within your comfortable range.
  • Then as quickly as you feel comfortable to, turn to the other side as far as you can within your comfortable range.
  • Try to build the speed of movement over time as you feel able.
Repeat routine 10 times.

3. Chin tuck

  • Sit with your head looking forwards.
  • Gently push your chin in towards your throat (give yourself a double chin).
  • Once you have got to the end of the movement hold gently with your fingers for 5 seconds.
  • Relax and then repeat the movement.

We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.

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More Plans

Intermediate Exercise plan

This is the next progression. More focus is given to progressive loading of the neck and shoulder regions, with further exercises aimed specifically at the affected nerve. Pain should not exceed 3/10 on your perceived pain scale whilst completing this exercise programme.

No pain
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 910
Safe to exercise
Worst pain imaginable
View Exercise Plan
Advanced Exercise plan

This is the next progression. More focus is given to progressive loading of the neck and shoulder regions, with further exercises aimed specifically at the affected nerve. Pain should not exceed 4/10 on your perceived pain scale whilst completing this exercise programme.

No pain
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 910
Safe to exercise
Worst pain imaginable
View Exercise Plan