Neck Pain Relief That Starts Beyond Your Neck
If you've struggled with neck pain for months, you've likely tried stretching it, massaging it, and resting it. But here's something that might surprise you: some of the most effective exercises for a achy neck target its surrounding regions instead. Your neck functions as part of a partnership that includes your jaw above and your upper back below, and two new studies published in 2026 show why that cooperation matters.
DON'T FORGET YOUR JAW
Researchers studied 62 adults who had lived with neck pain for more than three months. (1) Everyone performed neck stabilization exercises for six weeks, and half also added Rocabado exercises, a short series of gentle movements for the jaw, tongue, and head posture. Both groups improved. The group that also did jaw exercises, however, showed greater gains in how much pressure their neck could handle before it felt painful, in their ability to sense their head position, and in their balance. Because the jaw and neck share muscles and nerve pathways, it stands to reason that helping one can benefit the other.
YOUR UPPER BACK LENDS A HAND
A separate clinical trial of 54 adults introduced thoracic (mid- and upper-back) mobility exercises to typical neck exercises. (2) The added routine didn't relieve pain more than neck exercises alone, but it did lead to better posture, spinal mobility, neck-related function, and use of the arms and shoulders. A rigid upper back can leave your neck working overtime, so mobilizing it might help everything above move more easily.
THE TAKEAWAY FOR YOU
These were limited, short-term studies, and in each case, the extra exercises were added to neck exercises rather than replacing them. Still, they're a good reminder that the source of your pain and the road to feeling better aren't always in the same area. Check out this podcast with Dr. Edgardo Vargas on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he details the treatment plan and the benefit of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for relief of chronic neck pain.
LET'S FIND YOUR BEST PLAN - CONTACT Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation
If neck pain has been sticking around too long, schedule an appointment with Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation soon. We'll evaluate how your neck, jaw, and upper back are working together and work with you to create a home exercise plan that fits your body and your life.
