Flexion of the Neck

What Does Flexion of the Neck Mean?

Flexion of the neck is an anatomical term of motion that refers to the bending of the neck forward to bring the chin toward the chest. A related term, lateral flexion of the neck, refers to bending the neck to the side bringing the ear toward the shoulder. Flexion of the neck may also be referred to as neck flexion. Workers who much repeat this motion often or hold the bend of the neck for long periods are at risk for work related musculoskeletal injury.

WorkplaceTesting Explains Flexion of the Neck

The anatomical term of movement, flexion, refers to the motion of a joint in which the two joined bones are brought closer together, reducing the angle at the joint. When the neck flexes, the bending motion either brings the chin downward, bending the head forward at the top of the spine, or tucks the chin, thus tilting the head forward causing a curvature at the top of the spine.

The group of four muscles that control flexion of the neck are called the deep neck flexors. Sitting with an awkward posture in order to view a computer screen or other static postures that keep the neck in a forward bent position can lead to weakness of these flexor muscles. This weakness may in turn may lead to neck pain or injury. Proper work practices and an ergonomically designed workspace can help to prevent the development of a musculoskeletal disorder caused by weak neck flexor muscles. Simple exercises of the neck can also serve to strengthen these muscles.