3 Neck Exercises That May Help Reduce Concussion Symptoms
3 Neck Exercises That May Help Reduce Concussion Symptoms
Concussions are often thought of as brain injuries alone, but many people are surprised to learn that the neck can play a significant role in ongoing concussion symptoms. Following a motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or fall, the muscles, joints, and nerves in the cervical spine can contribute to headaches, dizziness, neck pain, balance issues, and difficulty concentrating.
At West Coast Kinetics, our kinesiology team regularly works with clients recovering from concussions through ICBC Active Rehab. Whether your injury occurred in a car accident or another incident, restoring normal neck function is often an important piece of your recovery.
If your concussion resulted from a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for ICBC Active Rehab sessions. We proudly direct bill ICBC, making it simple to begin treatment without worrying about paying upfront for eligible sessions.
Below are three gentle neck exercises that are commonly used by a kinesiology professional to improve neck strength, mobility, and control during concussion rehabilitation.
Why the Neck Matters After a Concussion
When your head experiences a sudden force, your brain isn’t the only structure affected. The neck absorbs a tremendous amount of force during impact. Even relatively mild injuries can strain the deep neck muscles and joints responsible for supporting your head.
Weakness or poor coordination of these muscles can contribute to:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty focusing
- Balance problems
- Visual disturbances
A kinesiology assessment helps determine whether your neck is contributing to your symptoms so that an individualized exercise program can be developed. During ICBC Active Rehab, your exercise prescription progresses safely as your symptoms improve.
Exercise 1: Chin Tucks (Deep Neck Flexor Activation)
One of the first exercises prescribed in kinesiology for concussion recovery is the chin tuck. This exercise activates the deep neck flexor muscles, which are often inhibited after injury.
How to Perform:
- Sit tall with good posture.
- Look straight ahead.
- Slowly pull your chin straight backward as if making a double chin.
- Hold for 5 seconds.
- Relax.
Repeat 10 repetitions.
Benefits
- Improves neck stability
- Reduces forward head posture
- Activates deep stabilizing muscles
- May decrease headaches originating from the neck
During ICBC Active Rehab, your kinesiology practitioner may progress this exercise by adding resistance or incorporating it into functional movements.
Exercise 2: Cervical Rotation Range of Motion
Limited neck rotation commonly contributes to stiffness and discomfort following a concussion.
How to Perform
- Sit upright.
- Slowly turn your head to the right until you feel a gentle stretch.
- Return to center.
- Repeat to the left.
Perform 10 repetitions each direction.
The movement should remain slow and controlled. Stop if symptoms significantly worsen.
Benefits
- Restores neck mobility
- Reduces muscle guarding
- Improves movement confidence
- Helps normalize cervical joint motion
A kinesiology program focuses on restoring comfortable movement without aggravating concussion symptoms. During your ICBC Active Rehab sessions, these exercises are carefully progressed based on your tolerance.
Exercise 3: Isometric Neck Strengthening
After injury, rebuilding neck strength can improve stability without excessive movement.
How to Perform
Place your hand against your forehead.
Gently press your head into your hand while resisting with your hand.
Hold for 5–10 seconds.
Repeat in four directions:
- Forward
- Backward
- Left side
- Right side
Complete 5 repetitions in each direction.
Benefits
- Builds neck strength safely
- Improves muscular endurance
- Increases cervical stability
- Supports overall concussion recovery
Many kinesiology rehabilitation programs incorporate isometric strengthening before advancing to more dynamic exercises. These exercises are frequently included throughout ICBC Active Rehab because they place minimal stress on irritated tissues while improving stability.
Why Individual Assessment Matters
Not every concussion is the same.
Some individuals experience symptoms primarily from the vestibular system, while others have significant neck involvement. That’s why a comprehensive kinesiology assessment is essential before beginning any rehabilitation program.
At West Coast Kinetics, we evaluate:
- Neck mobility
- Muscle strength
- Posture
- Balance
- Coordination
- Functional movement
- Exercise tolerance
From there, we build an individualized treatment plan designed specifically for your symptoms and recovery goals.
Recovering After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
If your concussion occurred during a motor vehicle accident, you may qualify for ICBC Active Rehab.
Our clinic provides ICBC Active Rehab programs that focus on restoring movement, improving neck function, reducing pain, and helping you safely return to work, sport, and daily activities.
We also direct bill ICBC, making the process simple and convenient for eligible clients. Our team handles the billing directly with ICBC so you can focus on your recovery.
Your ICBC Active Rehab sessions may include:
- Individualized exercise prescription
- Neck strengthening
- Balance retraining
- Vestibular exercises
- Functional rehabilitation
- Home exercise programs
- Ongoing progress monitoring
Every ICBC Active Rehab program is customized to your specific injury and recovery timeline.
How Kinesiology Supports Concussion Recovery
Exercise is increasingly recognized as one of the most effective treatments for concussion recovery when introduced at the appropriate time and intensity.
A registered kinesiology professional understands how to gradually reintroduce movement without provoking symptoms unnecessarily. Through carefully progressed exercise, kinesiology can help improve neck function, cardiovascular tolerance, balance, strength, and confidence.
Whether you’re recovering from a sports concussion or participating in ICBC Active Rehab after a motor vehicle accident, exercise-based rehabilitation can play a significant role in helping you return to normal activities safely.
Book Your ICBC Active Rehab Assessment
If you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness, neck pain, or lingering concussion symptoms after a motor vehicle accident, our team is here to help.
At West Coast Kinetics, we specialize in kinesiology treatment and ICBC Active Rehab for concussion recovery. We create individualized exercise programs, provide one-on-one rehabilitation, and direct bill ICBC for eligible claims.
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to linger. Early intervention through ICBC Active Rehab and expert kinesiology care can help you regain confidence, restore movement, and get back to doing what you love.