Neck pain is a common problem that can affect your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and comfortably complete everyday activities. Because the neck supports the weight of the head while allowing a wide range of movement, its muscles, joints, discs, and nerves can be vulnerable to strain and injury. Chiropractic care can help identify factors contributing to neck pain and provide conservative treatment designed to improve comfort, mobility, and function.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain may develop gradually from everyday habits or occur suddenly following an injury. Poor posture and spending extended periods looking down at computers, smartphones, or other devices can place additional strain on the muscles and joints of the neck. Age-related changes, injuries, and problems affecting the spinal discs or nerves may also contribute to discomfort.
Common causes of neck pain may include:
- Poor posture and prolonged computer or smartphone use
- Muscle strains and overuse
- Joint degeneration and osteoarthritis
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Pinched or irritated nerves
- Whiplash and auto accident injuries
- Sports or other physical injuries
- Improper sleeping positions
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, muscle tightness, headaches, or difficulty turning the head. When nerves are irritated or compressed, pain may also travel into the shoulder or arm and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
Chiropractic care focuses on determining what may be contributing to your symptoms and developing an individualized treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle and joint stress, and restore healthier movement throughout the neck and upper back.
Depending on your needs, care may also incorporate stretching, therapeutic exercises, massage, or other conservative therapies. Your chiropractor may recommend changes to your posture, workstation, sleeping habits, or daily activities to reduce unnecessary strain and help prevent recurring discomfort.
Find Relief From Neck Pain
Persistent neck pain and stiffness can make even simple movements uncomfortable. If neck pain is interfering with your daily activities or continues despite at-home care, schedule an evaluation with our chiropractic team. We can help determine the source of your symptoms and recommend conservative treatment options designed to help you move more comfortably and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain may develop gradually from everyday habits or come on suddenly after an injury. Common causes include poor posture and prolonged computer or smartphone use, muscle strains and overuse, joint degeneration and osteoarthritis, herniated or bulging discs, pinched or irritated nerves, whiplash and auto accident injuries, sports injuries, and improper sleeping positions.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, muscle tightness, headaches or difficulty turning the head. When nerves are irritated or compressed, pain may also travel into the shoulder or arm, with numbness, tingling or weakness.
Can poor posture cause neck pain?
Yes. Poor posture and spending extended periods looking down at computers, smartphones or other devices places additional strain on the muscles and joints of the neck. Treatment often includes recommendations on posture and workstation setup for this reason.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Yes. Headaches are one of the symptoms we see with neck pain, because the joints, muscles and nerves of the neck can refer pain into the head.
How is neck pain treated?
We start by determining what is contributing to your symptoms, then build an individualized plan. Adjustments may improve joint mobility, reduce muscle and joint stress, and restore healthier movement through the neck and upper back. Care may also include stretching, therapeutic exercises, massage or other conservative therapies.
Can sleeping position cause neck pain?
Yes. Improper sleeping positions are one of the recognised causes, which is why your chiropractor may suggest changes to your sleeping habits as part of your plan.
