CS | Retraction-Extension (Sitting)

CS | Retraction-Extension (Sitting)


To increase full cervical spine extension, in a loaded position, which is an advancement to the unloaded position. This is good for people who have disc bulges and pain when tilting the head back in sitting, and those who suffer from poor posture and a dysfunction in the lower cervical spine. This exercise encourages extension (backwards bend) through the lower part of your neck which is often stiff and usually held in a flexed (forward bent) position. It also encourages flexion through the upper part of your neck which is usually in extension when we sit with our chins poking out.

Demonstration and Instructions






In sitting, wrap your hands around the back of your neck so your 3rd fingers are touching together at the large bump in the back of your neck (T1), and the 4th and 5th fingers are resting on the back of the skull.

Gently retract your head so your head moves horizontally backward slowly allow the head to tilt backwards, guided by your hands, so the weight of your head is in your hands (not your neck muscles holding your head). Go back as far was you can go and gently push into your 4th and 5th fingers as a cradle. Then slowly return and grab the back of your head to lift it back up, forwards and reset.

Special Notes
You need to have minimal pain when doing this. If it is painful you need to go back to the previous level exercise.

Recommended Equipment

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Alternative Exercise


No items found.

In-depth Education Videos for this Exercise


Progression Levels

Level 4