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Neck pain

Neck pain

Neck pain is increasingly common in a world of screens and desk work. Whether the discomfort is sharp, dull, or radiating into the shoulders, an assessment helps identify the cause and guide care.

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Understanding neck pain

The cervical spine supports the weight of your head and allows a wide range of motion, making it particularly susceptible to strain. Neck pain can originate from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, or a combination of structures. Modern habits like prolonged screen use, forward head posture, and poor sleeping positions are among the most frequent contributors. Because neck pain can also refer to the shoulders, upper back, and head, understanding the source is important for effective treatment.

Common causes

  • Forward head posture from prolonged screen or phone use
  • Muscle strain from sleeping in an awkward position
  • Cervical facet joint irritation or stiffness
  • Disc bulge or herniation in the cervical spine
  • Whiplash or trauma from a motor vehicle accident
  • Stress and tension held in the neck and shoulders
  • Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae

What to expect during assessment

Assessment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, daily habits, work setup, and history. The practitioner examines your cervical range of motion, performs orthopedic and neurological tests, and checks the muscles and joints of the neck, upper back, and shoulders. If the examination suggests a need for imaging, a referral will be arranged. After assessment, your practitioner explains the findings and outlines the care options that may be appropriate.

How the clinic can help

Treatment depends on the findings. Chiropractic adjustments and mobilization can restore joint mobility in the cervical spine. Massage therapy addresses muscle tension and trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Acupuncture may be used alongside these approaches for pain management. Your practitioner also provides guidance on posture correction, ergonomic setup, and exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles and reduce recurrence.

Self-care and what you can do at home

Avoid holding your head in one position for prolonged periods. Take breaks from screens every 30 to 45 minutes, keep your monitor at eye level, and avoid cradling a phone against your shoulder. Gentle neck stretches, applying heat to tense muscles, and using a supportive pillow can help between visits. If pain is accompanied by arm numbness, weakness, or headache, an assessment is recommended rather than self-managing.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent or emergency medical care for neck pain after significant trauma, progressive weakness or numbness in the arms, difficulty walking or with coordination, severe headache with neck stiffness and fever, or sudden neurological changes. These may indicate a condition requiring immediate attention.

Follow-along videos that may support care between visits. Your practitioner should confirm which ones fit your assessment.

Head & Neck

Stretches and exercises for the cervical spine, neck muscles, and jaw to relieve tension, improve mobility, and support posture.

6 videos

Thoracic Spine & Chest

Exercises for the mid-back and chest to improve posture, reduce stiffness, and restore thoracic mobility at home.

4 videos

Browse all exercises & stretches

Common questions about neck pain

What causes neck pain?
Neck pain commonly results from poor posture, prolonged screen use, sleeping position, muscle strain, cervical joint stiffness, disc issues, or whiplash. Stress and tension also contribute. A clinical assessment identifies the underlying factor so care can be directed appropriately.
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
Chiropractors assess and treat musculoskeletal neck pain using spinal adjustments, mobilization, and soft-tissue techniques. Suitability depends on the assessment findings. If the cause is not musculoskeletal, your practitioner can refer you for further evaluation.
Is it normal for neck pain to cause headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine. Tension in the upper neck joints and surrounding muscles can refer pain to the back of the head, temples, or behind the eyes. If assessment confirms a cervical contribution, chiropractic care and massage therapy may be appropriate.
When should I worry about neck pain?
Seek urgent medical care for neck pain after significant trauma, progressive arm weakness or numbness, difficulty walking, severe headache with stiff neck and fever, or sudden neurological changes. These may indicate a condition requiring immediate medical attention.
How can I prevent neck pain from desk work?
Position your monitor at eye level, keep your shoulders relaxed, take movement breaks every 30 to 45 minutes, use a headset instead of cradling a phone, and avoid working directly on a laptop for extended periods. Ergonomic adjustments reduce sustained strain on the cervical spine.
How long does neck pain take to resolve?
Many episodes of neck pain improve within days to a few weeks with appropriate care. Chronic neck pain or pain related to disc or joint degeneration may require a longer treatment course. Your practitioner reassesses regularly and adjusts the care plan based on your progress.