Marcos Sacristán, physical therapist: "It only takes 60 seconds to know if your neck is damaged."
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Is your neck in good condition, or is it experiencing weakness that could lead to chronic neck pain? This is the question posed by physical therapist Marcos Sacristán , who shared a one-minute test in a YouTube video to check the true state of your neck muscles . As he explains in one of his most popular videos, this simple exercise can reveal in just 60 seconds whether your neck needs more attention and specific training.
The test involves lying on your back, bringing your chin to your chest, and slightly raising your head, leaving just a finger's width of space between your neck and the floor. Once you reach this position, hold it for one minute. " If you start shaking like a flan, it hurts, or you can't hold it for 60 seconds, we have a problem ," warns Sacristán. This reaction could be associated with cervical weakness , a common factor in people who suffer from neck pain .
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This test is not only accessible to everyone, but can also function as a preventative tool. As the physiotherapist points out, up to 90% of those who suffer from neck pain have a weak neck. This means that most neck pain could be prevented or reduced by strengthening the muscles involved. Sacristán insists that " the solution is not to give yourself massages, change your pillow, or take pills ," but rather to work on the strength, mobility, and stability of the neck with appropriate exercises.
The expert also clarifies that this isn't torture or a harmful exercise, but rather an effective way to identify muscle deficiencies. " It's just a test ," he insists. The goal isn't to strain the neck, but rather to understand its actual resistance and use this information as a basis for adopting habits that improve cervical health in the long term.
The message Marcos Sacristán wants to convey is clear: many people are unaware of the true state of their neck until pain persists. This simple 60-second gesture can be a wake-up call and a gateway to a more active approach to neck pain prevention. Far from immediate solutions, the physiotherapist advocates for a commitment to therapeutic exercise as an effective way to improve quality of life.
El Confidencial