Nexercise™ - Health and Medicine - Brief Article

Neck damage related to work, sports and repetitive activities are common in today's society. Dr. John Merrick, chiropractor and personal trainer, Dr. Anthony Selarni, neurosurgeon and Steve Grogan, former NFL New England Patriots quarterback, gathered to discuss neck injuries at the Merrick Spine Center located in the Workout and Wellness Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Dr. Selarni concedes there are millions of neck sprains each year, but he only sees the worst injuries. "I help in the operating room with a minority of these cases. The people on the front lines are chiropractors and physical therapists," he says.

Previous protocol for cervical spine injury required rest for the afflicted area, whereas recent thinking recommends movement through progressive resistance exercise (PRE) for optimal recovery. Fitness and rehabilitation of the neck has been limited because of the lack of convenient means for testing the initial degree of muscle strength. Determining a safe and effective exercise method has also been an issue.

Realizing these limitations, Dr. John Merrick developed the Nexerciser[TM] This exercise piece is specifically designed for isometric and isotonic neck muscle testing and exercise. An eight-inch diameter, self-inflating rubber ball with an attached handle, the instrument can be used against any flat surface. The Nexerciser[TM] is fitted with an air pressure digital LED readout to monitor applied force ensuring the user remains in control of a comfortable starting rate and increasing point of resistance.

Initially used under the umbrella of rehabilitation only, the Nexerciser[TM] is now being touted as a tool for injury prevention. Local studies, as well as research by medical personnel from New York University, cite that usage of the Nexerciser[TM] can, "markedly increase neck muscle strength and therefore prove useful in the design and execution of protocols to exercise, evaluate and rehabilitate the muscles of the cervical spine easily and efficiently."

The efficacy of the product has gained credence among devout athletes, like Steve Grogan. After a debilitating neck injury almost ended his career, Grogan recounts his experience with the Nexerciser[TM]. "It was believed I wasn't going to be able to play after my injury, but the Nexerciser[TM] allowed me to continue playing football [for] two more years. If I had had this device earlier in my career, I might have achieved the neck strength to play [longer]," says Grogan.

Athletic trainers are also noting the importance of the Nexerciser[TM]. Rocco Boulay, strength and conditioning specialist, says, "Unfortunately, in the field of health and fitness, neck musculature has always taken a backseat. Many facilities do not provide appropriate apparatuses to effectively train the [neck] muscles. The Nexerciser[TM] provides a quick and [affordable] means of accomplishing this task."

Dr. Merrick also adds that although flexibility is important, muscle strengthening prevents injury. "Neck strength, especially in contact sports, should be equal to 30 percent of [a] person's body weight," he explains. "[Yet,] in recent studies, a group of students demonstrated they could not move five pounds with their neck muscles." Neck weakness can cause strains, sprains, burners and stingers that are detrimental to physical activity. Individualized programs designed with the Nexerciser[TM] can reduce the risk of injury to the neck.

To order the Nexerciser[TM], call (800) 433-NECK.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group