Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages, especially in today’s screen-heavy world, the neck is under more pressure than ever.
Most issues fall into three categories: postural strain (chronic habits), sudden impact (acute injury), and age-related wear (degenerative changes). When the delicate balance of the cervical spine is disrupted, it doesn’t just cause local stiffness; it can radiate pain into the head, shoulders, and arms.
How chiropractic care approaches the neck
Chiropractic care for the neck goes beyond simply “cracking” a joint. We look at the cervical spine as the foundation of your neurological health. Our approach involves assessing the curvature of the neck, the mobility of the individual vertebrae, and the tension in the supporting musculature. By restoring proper alignment, we reduce interference with the nervous system, which not only relieves pain but often resolves secondary issues like headaches, posture issues, and arm numbness.
Most common neck issues
Neck Sprains and Strains
These occur when the muscles (strains) or ligaments (sprains) in the neck are overstretched or torn. This is often the result of sudden movements, heavy lifting, or sleeping in an awkward position.
- Symptoms: Localised tenderness, muscle spasms, and stiffness that limits movement.
Shooting pain down the arm (pinched nerve)
Technically known as cervical radiculopathy, this happens when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed or irritated, often by a bulging disc, bone spur or joint dysfunction.
- Symptoms: Sharp, electric-like pain, numbness, or “pins and needles” that travel into the shoulder, elbow, or hand.
Postural issues (upper cross syndrome)
Common in office workers and frequent phone users, this is a specific pattern of muscle imbalance. The muscles in the front of the chest and back of the neck become tight, while the deep neck flexors and shoulder blade muscles become weak.
- Symptoms: Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and a persistent ache in the upper back and neck.
Cervical joint dysfunction
This involves the small facet joints of the spine becoming “locked” or restricted in their movement. When these joints don’t glide properly, it causes inflammation and protective muscle guarding.
- Symptoms: A “stiff neck” feeling and sharp pain when attempting to rotate or tilt the head.
Whiplash
Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration injury, most common in motor vehicle accidents or sports. The sudden force causes the soft tissues to whip beyond their normal range of motion.
- Symptoms: Delayed onset of pain, headaches, dizziness, and reduced cervical mobility.
Degenerative changes
Also referred to as cervical spondylosis or osteoarthritis, this involves the gradual wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints over time.
- Symptoms: Chronic, nagging stiffness and a “grinding” sensation (crepitus) during neck movement.
Instead of just treating your symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the source of your neck pain. We help you move more freely and feel your best by restoring the health and alignment of your spine.
Did You Know – Your headaches could be coming from your neck?
Known as Cervicogenic headaches, these originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine rather than the head itself. When the joints of the upper neck become restricted or inflamed, they refer pain signals upward into the skull.
- Symptoms: A dull, persistent ache that often wraps around the forehead or feels like pressure behind the eyes.