MedX Cervical Extension Machine

Do you have chronic neck pain? Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Have you been in a motor vehicle accident?

The MedX Cervical Extension Machine is highly reliable and specific for measuring the strength of the deep muscles of the neck which are responsible for keeping the head upright and providing spinal stability. It can also be used as a tool to strengthen these muscles if they are found to be weak..

History of MedX

Arthur Jones was the developer of all Nautilus exercise equipment. When he evaluated the back extension machine, he found it did not do an adequate job of strengthening the back muscles. In 1972 he began what was to be fourteen years of research and development. His goal was to design the first meaningful tools for testing human functional ability, strength, muscular endurance, and ranges of motion. In 1986 he founded the MedX Corporation. The lumbar extension machine was perfected and proven by independent research teams at the School of Medicine of the University of Florida. He continued to develop additional equipment which includes The Cervical Machine.

Isometric testing can be performed every three degrees through a 126 degree range of motion. Validity is achieved by effectively stabilizing the torso to achieve cervical extension muscle isolation. Counterbalancing the mass of the head is performed to ensure accurate torque assessment by eliminating the effects of gravity.

The machine features dual weight stacks with a stroke length of only 1.5 inches during a full-range dynamic contraction. This short length reduces internal friction and lowers the risk of impact forces. Weight can be selected at 3 pound inch increments from 30 - 900 pound inches of resistance.

Who can benefit?

• Most people with chronic neck pain
• Most people who have chronic headaches caused by muscular weakness
• Most people whose neck has been strained in a motor vehicle accident
• Those whose job requires a forward head position: Dentists, dental hygienists, auto mechanics, computer workers...
• Athletes: Football, wrestling, soccer, cycling...

Testing and Treatment Program

The eight week program includes an initial strength and range of motion measurement session (45 minutes), eight dynamic exercise sessions (15 minutes each), a mid-program measurement session, eight more dynamic exercise sessions, and a final strength and range of motion evaluation. Measurements are referenced to norms for gender, age, and weight established in research at the University of Florida.

The fee for the initial measurement session is $80.00. The charge for each dynamic exercise session is $30.00. The mid-program test session and final evaluation are $50.00 each. Health insurance may pay for all, part, or none of these costs, depending on the insurer and the specific insurance plan.