Therapeutic exercise
Cervical Lateral Glide (Cervical Nerve Flossing)
Specific neural mobilization for irritated cervical nerve roots. Unlike lumbar sciatic flossing, this movement combines a lateral cervical glide with contralateral trunk side-bend, mobilizing the nerve without tensioning it.
How to perform
- Starting position. Sit upright with the arms relaxed at the sides.
- Step 2. Slowly tilt the head to the side opposite the symptom (if pain radiates down the right arm, tilt left).
- Step 3. Simultaneously, side-bend the trunk toward the same side as the head — the goal is to create a nerve glide, not a stretch.
- Step 4. Hold 2–3 seconds at the point of maximum relief and slowly return to neutral.
- Return. Repeat rhythmically, as if rocking the nerve — the movement should relieve symptoms, never aggravate them.
When not to perform
- Radiculopathy with progressive motor deficit
- Positive Lhermitte sign
- Cervical myelopathy
- Recent cervical trauma
- Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
- Cervical ligamentous instability
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Supine Cervical Self-Traction
Self-traction technique that temporarily decompresses the cervical neural foramina. Useful in radiculopathy with arm radiation — the traction relieves root compression and promotes CSF flow.
Brachial Plexus Glide (Upper-Limb Neural Flossing)
Global neural mobilization of the brachial plexus, combining cervical movements with upper-limb positioning under maximum tension. Broader than glides of individual nerves (median, ulnar, radial) — indicated in thoracic outlet syndrome and diffuse radicular symptoms.
Seated Cervical Extension
Active cervical extension in sitting, specific to patients with a directional preference for extension (cervical discogenic). Different from chin tuck — here the goal is pure extension, not retraction.