Free Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapy Library
CERVICAL SPINE Chair / Seated • Gentle Discs: C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1

Cervical Retraction Chin Tucks (McKenzie)

For every inch the head migrates forward, the cervical spine bears an extra 10 lbs of weight. McKenzie chin tucks restore axial alignment, open compressed suboccipital nerve spaces, and decompress the C5-C6 and C6-C7 disc segments.

BIOMECHANICAL MOVEMENT DIAGRAM
Clinical back pain images demonstration - MCKENZIE CERVICAL RETRACTION
MCKENZIE CERVICAL RETRACTION
🎯 C1-C7 Tech Neck Reset

Step-by-Step Execution

CLINICAL PROTOCOL
  1. 1 Sit or stand tall with shoulders relaxed and gaze straight ahead at eye level.
  2. 2 Place two fingers on your chin.
  3. 3 Without tilting your head up or down, gently glide your chin straight backward as if making a "double chin".
  4. 4 Feel a gentle elongation and stretch along the base of your skull and back of your neck.
  5. 5 Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then release back to neutral. Perform 10 to 12 smooth repetitions.
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KEY FORM CUES

  • ✓ Imagine your head sliding straight back along a horizontal track like a cash register drawer.
  • ✓ Keep your eyes fixed forward; do not look down toward your chest.
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MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • ✗ Do not bend your neck downward (this is cervical flexion, not retraction).
  • ✗ Avoid jamming your chin back with excessive force.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS & WHEN TO AVOID

Do not perform this movement or modify strictly under clinical supervision if you have:

  • Acute severe cervical whiplash within 72 hours of injury
  • Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (dizziness/nausea with neck movement)
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS & CITATIONS

Clinical Biomechanics & Evidence

This exercise protocol utilizes proven spinal mechanics: active core co-contraction (McGill stabilization), directional preference extension (McKenzie MDT), and non-compressive axial elongation to facilitate nutrient exchange in the avascular intervertebral disc matrix.

• McGill, S.M. (2016). Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
• Delitto, A., et al. (2021). Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).
CLINICAL DOSAGE
Hold Duration 5 Seconds
Repetitions 10-12 repetitions
Prescription Sets 2 sets
Difficulty Gentle
Position Chair / Seated
TARGET MUSCLES
Longus Colli Longus Capitis (Deep Neck Flexors)
STABILIZER MUSCLES
Suboccipitals Upper Trapezius Sternocleidomastoid