Gentle Cervical Range of Motion
Keeps the neck moving comfortably within a gentle, pain-free range.
What it helps
Keeps the neck moving comfortably so it doesn't stiffen — within the limits your surgeon sets.
How to do it
- Slowly turn your head side to side, then gently tilt one ear toward your shoulder, within a comfortable, pain-free range.
- Move smoothly and return to center.
Tips
- Never force or push into pain.
- Your care team can guide how much neck motion is right for you.
Commonly done as 5 each direction repetitions, 1–2 times a day.
Where this appears in recovery
Gentle Cervical Range of Motion is part of 9 recovery programs, typically in the phase 1 and phase 2 stage. Each program shows how it fits alongside the other movements:
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) exercise guide
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) exercise guide
- Cervical Strain exercise guide
- Cervical Strain exercise guide
- Neck Pain exercise guide
- Cervical Radiculopathy exercise guide
- Cervicogenic Headache exercise guide
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis exercise guide
- Cervical Spondylosis exercise guide
All exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education
These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.