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Home >> Educational Resources >> Exercise Library

Exercise Library

What do exercises have to do with relieving pain from a sore neck or back? Lots. Research in sports medicine and spine care show that a key part of the recovery and rehabilitation process involves exercise and movement.

Select from the following three categories to link to the respective pages:
Neck Exercises | Back Exercises | Strengthening Exercises

Some of the exercises shown can help relieve simple neck and back pain. Other exercises can also be effective at strengthening for injury prevention.

Using drugs to mask pain is a band-aid approach, and over time can have disastrous effects on internal organs. The best long-term solution to orthopedic problems involves making the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints stronger, more flexible and resistant to injury. That way, you are more resistant to future attacks of pain. Exercise can be more effective than surgery to correct a problem, as you re-strengthen the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints to make them more injury resistant.

If you have pain related to neck or back problems, you should first visit one of our specialists to determine the cause of your pain. They will determine the best treatment for you, and one of our sports medicine therapists will be able to customize an exercise program just for you. Your exercise program may involve some of the exercises shown in our exercise library section. Choose from one of the sections below.

Remember, never do any exercise that causes increased pain. Never do any exercise after an injury related to a traumatic event, such as a fall or sports injury or any onset of pain that has emerged suddenly. Consult one of our specialists first.

NOTE: We recognize that people will diagnose and treat themselves. We have provided this medical information to make you more knowledgeable about nonsurgical aspects of care, the role of exercise in your long-term recovery, and injury prevention. In some cases exercise may be inappropriate. Remember, if you diagnose or treat yourself, you assume the responsibility for your actions. You should never do any exercise that causes increased pain. You should never do any exercise that places body weight on a weakened or injured limb or back.

Patient Success Stories
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Surgery repairs damaged disc and helps Jill get back to life!

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Local veternarian back to helping patients after Spinal Stenosis.

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Surgery helps Sherry get back to traveling the world.

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Bob

Surgery repairs damaged disc and returns outdoorsman to activity.

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Paramedic gets back to life with Dr. Craig Humphreys.

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Healthcare CEO back on the job after pain relieving spine surgery.

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School administrator recovers from back pain without surgery.

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Dog sled champion back on the trails after non-surgical treatment.

Educational Resources
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View medical illustrations that help you understand pain symptoms.

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Learn about special exercises and stretches that can relieve pain and help rehab muscles and joints.

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Learn about minimally invasive surgery techniques that enable patients to go home the same day.

Where to find us

Dr. Craig Humphreys is referred complex back pain and neck pain patients from across Alaska. Dr. Craig Humphreys is the only spine surgeon in the State of Alaska to be included in SpineCenterNetwork.com, an exclusive national listing of spine centers of excellence that meet credentialing criteria. With a main office in Soldotna, Alaska, Dr. Craig Humphreys is a resource for those living on the Kenai Peninsula, residents of Anchorage as well as the Mat-Su Valley, including Wasilla, Palmer and Eagle River.

Physician Bios

S. Craig Humphreys, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon


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