Spinal Accessory Nerve Flossing

SPINAL ACCESSORY NERVE FLOSSING

The spinal accessory nerve flossing exercise is used to mobilize cranial nerve XI. This exercise may be completed while seated or standing. Start by raising your arm up to shoulder height in front of you. Protract the shoulder blade by pushing your arm forward while holding a moderate chin tuck. Proceed to simultaneously retract the scapula (a.k.a. the shoulder blade) while jutting the jaw forwards. Laterally flex your head to the opposite side of your raised arm as well. Return to starting position by reversing these motions to complete a repetition.

Structures involved:

• spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)

• sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)

• upper trapezius

Related conditions:

• spinal accessory nerve entrapment

• upper trapezius myalgia

• cervicogenic headache

• myofascial headache

• text neck

• upper cross syndrome (UCS)

Exercise videos