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You probably know that your neck needs a certain amount of motion to function normally, but did you know that your nerves move as well?

Neural mobility is a key part of a healthy neck and upper back. Tight nerves can cause numbness and pain in the arms and legs, weakness, and poor motion in the joints. This step will check how freely your nerves move and give.

This is called a slump test, it was developed in Australia. Don't worry if you're not as flexible as the model. Just do as much as you can.

First, make sure you've got good balance or can hold on to something if you feel unsteady.

 
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Start by sitting comfortably with your hands in your lap.

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Next bring your hands and shoulders forward. Then look down as far as you can. You should feel a stretch in your upper back.

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Next start to bend your upper back forward, one section at a time. Let your arms fall between your knees. Make sure you keep your head down. Make sure your upper back is flexed forward as much as possible.

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To finish the position, allow your upper and lower back to come forward as much as possible.

To test the mobility of your nerves, straighten one leg and bring the foot towards you.

 

What do you feel? (If you had numbness or pain in your hands or feet, did this test make those symptoms more intense?)