Overview of Joint Hyperextension

Hyperextension is an excessive joint movement in which the angle formed by the bones of a particular joint is straightened beyond its normal, healthy range of motion. Such a movement may potentially make that joint unstable and increase the risk and likelihood of dislocation or other potential joint injuries. For example, a whiplash injury can cause hyperextension of the neck.

Occasionally, mild hyperextension is not harmful, such as the superman exercise, when the back is hyperextended compared with a normal anatomic position.

Range of Motion

Most of the body’s joints allow for certain movements. A few joints, like joints in the skull, do not.

The joints that allow movements, such as the knee, ankle, and spine, have a range of motion. This range of motion describes how far a joint can move or bend comfortably in each direction, and it is usually measured in degrees. Each individual joint has a specific range of motion that is determined by the position of the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make up the joint.

For example, you can move your neck to a certain extent in each direction, but if you turn your neck too far in one particular direction, you can feel pain—and injuries can occur.

Flexion

The opposite of extension is flexion. Flexion is defined as bending a joint so that the bones of the joint are moved closer together. During flexion, the angle between the bones of the joint is decreased. Flexion typically occurs when muscles contract and the bones move the nearby joint into a curved position.

Exercise

In terms of physical fitness, hyperextension movements are often involved in exercises that are designed to restore a normal range of motion. For example, you may need range of motion exercises for your elbow while recovering from an injury.

One type of hyperextension exercise can be performed by lying face down on the floor and then lifting the arms and the torso off the ground while keeping the hips and lower body even and grounded. This movement stretches muscles in the lower back.

There are also types of equipment commonly found in gyms that can be used to perform hyperextension exercises. If you are unsure of which pieces of equipment to use for hyperextension exercises, be sure to ask a member of the staff at your gym.