Neck Pain and Chiropractic
Introduction
Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor. From mild stiffness to sharp aches, it can disrupt daily life. Even simple tasks like checking your phone or driving become difficult. The good news? Most neck pain isn’t a sign of something dangerous. It’s usually caused by muscles tightening, minor joint irritation, or everyday strains, not more serious conditions like disc damage or arthritis. At our clinic, we focus on getting to the root of the problem and helping you get back to feeling comfortable and in control.
Why Do I Get Neck Pain?
There are three big reasons people experience neck pain:
Muscle Tightness and Strain
Spending hours sitting or leaning forward - like when working at a desk - can make your neck muscles stiff and sore. Our necks and upper backs weren’t designed to stay still for long periods, and tight muscles can lead to discomfort.
Joint Irritation
The small joints in your neck (facet joints) can become inflamed from repetitive movements or injuries such as whiplash. This inflammation can make the joints stiff and painful, even if it isn’t caused by disc problems or arthritis.
Stress and Tension
Being stressed or anxious often causes us to unconsciously tense our neck and shoulder muscles. Over time, this constant tension can lead to a sore, stiff neck.
Other causes, like wear-and-tear arthritis (spondylosis), are often painless, but can cause stiffness that worsens muscle tension. More serious issues, like a bulging disc pressing on a nerve, can cause pain or tingling in your arms. Chiropractors are trained to identify when neck pain may need further medical attention.
How Chiropractors Can Help With Neck Pain
Chiropractors use a range of non-invasive techniques to help ease neck pain and improve your mobility:
Gentle Spinal Adjustments
A chiropractor uses gentle, controlled movements to realign your neck. This helps reduce pressure on joints and muscles, easing pain and allowing your spine to move more freely.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Techniques like myofascial release help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce neck and shoulder pain.
Tailored Advice on Posture and Lifestyle
Chiropractors help you set up a healthier workspace, maintain good posture, and build daily habits that reduce neck strain. They offer advice on how to sit at a computer and sleep comfortably, for example.
Home Exercises and Stretches
To support treatment and prevent recurrence, chiropractors give you simple exercises to strengthen your neck and improve its flexibility.
Your first visit includes a complete assessment of your symptoms, history, posture, and daily routines. Based on this, your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your pain.
Neck pain can be a problem for many people working on computers all day
Practical Tips for Managing Neck Pain
You don’t need to wait until your next appointment to take action. Here are five simple things you can do at home:
Keep Moving
Do light activities through the day, even if you're in pain. Gentle movement often helps more than complete rest, and it supports your body’s natural healing process.
Take Frequent Breaks
If you sit at a desk or use screens often, stand up, stretch, and walk around every 30–60 minutes to ease muscle tension.
Do Gentle Neck Exercises
Slowly turn your head side to side and tilt it toward each shoulder to release tight muscles. Over time, you can add strengthening exercises, but avoid anything painful and get guidance first.
Manage Stress
Take a few minutes every day for relaxation. Try deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching to reduce tension in your neck and shoulders.
Choose the Right Pillow
Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can twist your neck and cause discomfort. Sleeping on your back or side is much better.
In most cases, neck pain responds well to chiropractic care within a few visits, usually around 4 to 6, especially when combined with these practical self-care tips. By addressing both the physical causes and daily habits, we aim not only to relieve pain but also to help you prevent it from returning. With the right approach, neck pain doesn’t have to hold you back.
To see a specialist to help relief neck pain and tension headaches contact our friendly reception staff.
We can often see you on the same or next day.