Ever since the ancient times man has used his hands. At the begining it was the touch of mother's hand to comfort her child, or smack it as a punishment. In case of an injury the bleeding is stopped by pressing the artery, while smoothing the injured place reduces pain. Dislocated joints were set in place by hands of skillfull healers. Discovering the structure and biomechanical reaction in human body, a special line of medicine – manual medicine- has developed.
Cervical spine has seven vertebras connected with invertebrate discs, joints and links. Nerves pass through the wide orfices. They conduct impulses from brain to the internal organs and muscles, skin of occiput, shoulders and thorax. Therefore pain and health problems are regularily coused by inborn or gained changes as well as they are coused by sickness of cervical spine. Man contributes to those unphysiological changes by putting his spine into incorrect forced position or spraining it excessively while working. There are many signs wich signal the condition of our cervical vertebra: tingling sensations in tips of the fingers or whole hands, pain in shoulders or in the back of the head or even fainting.
Many people inexpertly practice manual medicine. Those people, insufficiently educated, attrack patients through agressive advertising that promisses healing in a short period of time. In such manner they not only make money, but very often cause more damage than good.
Only specially educated doctors and physical therapists are entitled to practise manual medicine. They use stratching, mobilization and/or manipulation of cervical spine.
Stretching is a method that ensures mild moving apart between two cervical vertebrae. This method is used to free pinched nerves (decompression).
Mobilization is a method which results in mobility of spine joints by slightly moving vertebrae.
Manipulation is a method which includes breef, carefull movements that bring spine into the most suitable position.
The method of choice depends on diagnosis and the degree of deformation. Manual medicine can be used once with obligatory check in two days. If there is a need, the treatment can be repeated up to ten times at two/three day period. Except performing manual medicine it is necessary to educate patients how to performe special exercises which prevent further deformation of the spinal cord. Exercises for cervical spine include stretching and strenghtening.

STRETCHING
Stretching increases the range of movements of cervical spine and it reduces the pressure on the nerve roots and neck stiffness. If any of the exercises causes dizziness or some other discomfort or difficulties, it is obligatory to stop the exercise immediately and modify it according to patient's needs. Before exercising it is important to prepare muscles with mild massage, acupressure or putting warm and cold compresses on the muscles. Weather the patient will lay down, sit or stand depends on type of deformation.

STRENGHTENING
Strenghtening excercises are isometric and result with strengthtening of neck muscles in the period of time. In that way the number of repetition and the intensity of exercising can increase. It is important to prepare muscles for exercising by using mild massage, acupressure or worm and wet compresses. While exercising, it is important to breath calmly and evenly. It is not recommended to withold the air. If during any movement patient feels some pain, it is necessary to reduce the intensity of exercise and the number of repetition.