When was the last time you looked in the mirror and were impressed by your ‘double chin’? If I had to take a guess, the answer is probably never! BUT…what if I told you how well & how long you can hold this ‘double chin’ position (for those who are familiar, the ‘chin tuck’) may be directly correlated to some dysfunctions you may be experiencing on a regular basis? For those individuals who may be experiencing chronic headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, shoulder pain &/or “tightness”, vertigo, or even tinnitus you need to keep reading!!!
The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test is a clinical assessment of neuromotor control which works to target the deep cervical neck flexors by performing a subtle nod (or “yes” movement) paired with a slight lift-off of the head from the surface you are laying upon. The significance of this movement and how long you can endure this position without compensation has been utilized within the research for nearly the last 20 years. The thought behind this assessment aims at targeting the smaller, stabilizing muscles within the front of the neck (specifically longus colli & longus capitus) rather than the larger, superficial muscles like the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and the scalene muscles. Activation of these larger, superficial muscles tends to overpower the deep neck flexors and can lead down a road of dysfunction if not addressed.
Let’s try this…get set up by laying flat on your back with your head/neck supported on a surface. Perform a chin tuck (i.e. give me your best ‘double chin’), then lift your head/neck up approximately 1 inch from the surface while maintaining your chin tuck. Hold this position with optimal form for as long as you can. Remember, the assessment is over when you either are unable to maintain your head lift-off &/or when you begin to lose the integrity of your chin tuck. While various studies throughout the years have found slightly variable results, it is well established that asymptomatic males tend to have longer neck flexor endurance as compared to asymptomatic females.
In the article examining the reliability of this assessment specific normative data for asymptomatic males was found to be able to hold this position for 63.73 seconds with asymptomatic females being able to hold this same position for 38.43 seconds. So, while it may not be the most flattering exercise, this assessment & practice may be the key to start relieving any undesirable symptoms you may be feeling within the head/neck region! Give it a try! If you still struggle with any of the prior listed aches or pains after implementing this exercise, click the button below and we would be happy to help you overcome your pain through our one-on-one Physical Therapy treatment session.
