Antonio Paoli, Professor of Fitness and
Physiology Technical Theory and Didactics –
Degree in Motor Sciences, University of Padua Adrian Sgarabottolo, Professor of Fitness
Didactics - Degree in Motor Sciences, University
of Padua
The cervical part of the
vertebral column is like a pillar that supports our
head, just as the mythological Atlas supported the
celestial world on his shoulders; for this reason it is
not a coincidence that the first cervical vertebrae is
called exactly that, atlas. The cervical region (made up
of 7 vertebrae, while there are 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar
vertebrae) must fulfil two almost conflictual duties;
supporting the weight of the head while at the same time
allowing it enough movement to be able to carry out the
fundamental function of vision.
Such a complex
structure is inevitably struck by many different
diseases, both acute and chronic.
The most common of these is cervicalgia,
localised pain in the upper region of the
vertebral column. This pain can be as a result
of different tissue sub layers: bones, skin,
profound somatic structures (discs) or muscles.
The latter is the most frequent cause of
cervico-cephalgia. In fact alterations in the
functioning of the neck muscles, as is possible
to see in cervical tension or tension-type
headaches, are very common.
Excessive and prolonged stress on this muscle, stress
caused by postural changes or acute
traumas such as the notorious “whiplash”, can induce
pain:
a) because
of excessive strain/pressure on the muscle insertion;
b) because
of inflammation of the muscle (resulting from metabolic
modifications brought about during a non-physiological
prolonged contraction)
c) Ischemia, as in repetitive strain syndrome known as myositis (a prolonged static contraction of the whole
musculature of the neck)
d) Arthritis-like phenomena
found on the vertebrae and
arterial surfaces that bring about tissue degeneration
and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).
e) Modifications to the physiological curvature of the
cervical region
as a result of a “defensive” contraction
carried out by the profound musculature of the backbone
in response to an external hit (whiplash). In this case
the musculature contracts suddenly as part of a defence
mechanism; such a contraction leads to a reduction, if
not an inversion, of the normal curvature of the
cervical region, with the disc and ligament structure
coming under an enormous amount of strain.
In all the above cases
physicaland kinesitherapy are recommended. The latter
in particular has proved to be effective in correcting
an unbalanced muscular system and improving bad posture.
Kinesitherapy
uses a series of coded exercises that allow,
in succession, the resolution of possible muscle
contractures and the strengthening of weakened
muscles. A particular aspect of kinesitherapy is
that it takes place in water, in thermal (spa)
water to be more precise. Hot or thermal water
acts via two fundamental mechanisms; the first
is purely physical, the reduction of the load on
the column.
The constant weight of the
head on the spine is reduced thanks to the well-known
law of Archimedes (a body completely or partially
immersed in a fluid receives a direct push from the
bottom upwards equal to the weight of the displaced
fluid). Conversely, the second mechanism is linked to
physiological reactions of the organism immersed in
water, and more specifically, in hot water. Firstly, in
water, the proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensory
systems (the receptors that register what is happening
in the body and in the environment around the body)
react differently compared to when the body is out of
water. Most noticeable is the reduction in muscle tone;
such a reduction can help resolve aches and pains
provoked by spasms or muscular contractions, by allowing
a reorganisation of body motion and order. This is
thanks to a synergetic action, in other words, changes
in the habitual motor systems and in both the
proprioceptive and exteroceptive responses. And it is
also this reduction in muscle tone caused by the
elevated temperature of the hot or thermal water, which
brings about the resolution of painful contractures. If
the actions of these mechanisms are coupled with
specific exercises, aided by the activity out of water
but appropriately modified for the aquatic environment,
the effect, with regard to the elimination of the
painful condition and thus return to normality, will be
cumulative. It is important however, that workers in
this field are adequately prepared, not only on the
specific pathology but also on the characteristics and
needs of the activity taking place in water, which is
similar yet also different to that which happens out of
the water.
Some practical examples of simple exercises for
the cervical region that can be carried out both
in and out of water.
A1 Bend the
head towards the left, while holding your right
wrist. Then pull your right arm towards the left
(so lowering the right shoulder) and maintain
this position for at least 20 seconds.
The aim of this exercise is to pull the
right shoulder away from the corresponding ear,
thus lengthening the lateral musculature of the
neck (the ascending muscle fascicle of the
trapezium).
A2 The same
exercise can also be carried out in water,
passively, with the help of a personal trainer
(in this case the benefits will be greater
thanks to the effect of the heat)
B1 Auto
massage of the trapezium and the cervical region
with the opposite hand The aim of this exercise is to relax the
lateral musculature of the neck.
The same exercise
can also be carried out in water (B2)
both autonomously and with the help of a
personal trainer.
These exercises are very simple and anybody can
do them autonomously; however for those
exercises that will be carried out in water, the
help of somebody who is justly qualified is
recommended as the risk of making a mistake is
higher.
Cervical waterfalls
Cervical
waterfalls: Lastly, one last piece of advice
for all guests of spa hotels and, in general,
all those who love going to spas. Cervical
waterfalls are very good for the neck and
shoulders as long as they are used in the
correct way. Therefore benefit from the jets of
water maintaining the shoulders and the cervical
spine just above the water’s surface.
SOS back pains
The backache is one of the most
common pathologies: stiffness,
wrong postures, joints lesions,
many are the causes of this pain
that can become a daily
companion. Discover with our
experts’ advices how to face it
and…beat it!
At the spa for two
How wonderful and complicated is
a relationship! Let’s try to
understand how to create moments
for two rich in cuddles and
communication perhaps while you
are plunged into thermal water.
