Neck Pain and Chiropractic Care

We’ve all woken up with that annoying crick in our neck, wondering what we did to deserve it. It can last as little as a few hours or sometimes linger for days or weeks. It can be triggered by something as simple as poor posture or sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or by a more serious injury, a repetitive strain, or age-related degeneration. Neck pain is one of those issues that can really disrupt your routine and can significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being. Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-informed solution to managing neck pain by addressing its mechanical causes and supporting long-term spinal health.

Understanding the Cervical Spine

The cervical spine is what the region of the spine associated with the neck is called. It consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) located from the top of the spinal column and contacting the base of the skull and running down to the upper back (thoracic spine). These vertebrae support the head’s weigh (about 10 to 12 pounds) and enable a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral(side) bending. While 10 to 12 pounds might not seem heavy, imagine holding up a bowling ball in front of you for hours at a time. That’s essentially what your neck does every day, so it’s easy to see why it can become overworked, tense, and painful. To help shield the spine from wear and tear caused by gravity we have intervertebral disks between each vertebra that act as cushions and shock absorbers. Ligaments, tendons, muscles, and facet joints are then there to stabilize the neck and facilitate smooth movement, while spinal nerves exit the cervical spine to transmit signals between the brain and the body. 

Due to its mobility and structural complexity, the cervical spine is particularly susceptible to injury and dysfunction. Issues such as joint restriction, muscle imbalance, disc degeneration, or nerve compression can lead to localized neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or even radiating symptoms into the shoulders, arms, or hands.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain may be acute or chronic and can stem from a variety of biomechanical and postural sources:

Cervical facet joint dysfunction: The facet joints in the neck can become irritated from overuse, arthritis, or poor posture. A study published in Spine found that up to 55% of chronic neck pain cases are associated with cervical facet joint pathology (Manchikanti et al., 2002).
Disc degeneration and herniation: The intervertebral discs may degenerate over time or become herniated, placing pressure on nearby nerves. This condition, known as cervical radiculopathy, can lead to arm pain, numbness, or weakness. Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons supports the conservative management of cervical disc herniations, including spinal manipulation (Rhee et al., 2007).
Muscle strain and tension: Poor ergonomics, prolonged device use (“text neck”), or emotional stress can cause muscular overuse and imbalance. These strains often present with tightness, spasms, or tension headaches.
Whiplash-associated disorders: Motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries can result in soft tissue damage, ligament sprain, and joint dysfunction. A 2015 study in Pain Research and Management highlights the effectiveness of manual therapies, including chiropractic care, for whiplash-induced neck pain (Ferrari & Russell, 2015).
Postural syndrome: Forward head posture and rounded shoulders are common in modern lifestyles and can lead to chronic cervical strain, affecting spinal alignment and muscular support.

Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

According to a 2019 systematic review published in BMJ Open, spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) is both safe and effective for treating acute and chronic neck pain. Spinal manipulation therapy can reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve neuromuscular function by normalizing joint mechanics and reducing local inflammation.

In a 2012 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine compared spinal manipulation, home exercise, and medication for acute neck pain. It found that chiropractic care led to greater reductions in pain over the long term compared to medication (Bronfort et al., 2012).

Additionally, the American College of Physicians and other medical guidelines now recognize spinal manipulation and other non-pharmacologic therapies as first-line treatments for many musculoskeletal pain conditions, including neck pain. Its improtant to be aware that spinal manipulation should always be delivered by trained professionals.

At Modern Care Chiropractic we provide thorough evaluations, hands-on care, and patient education to not only alleviate discomfort but also to correct the underlying dysfunction and support a healthier spine for the long term.

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References:

  1. Manchikanti, L., et al. (2002). Facet joint pain in chronic spinal pain: a prospective evaluation of prevalence and response to diagnostic blocks. Pain Physician.

  2. Rhee, J.M., et al. (2007). Cervical radiculopathy. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

  3. Ferrari, R., & Russell, A.S. (2015). Whiplash and its management. Pain Research and Management.

  4. Bronfort, G., et al. (2012). Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain. Annals of Internal Medicine.

  5. Gauthier, P., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of spinal manipulation for the treatment of nonspecific neck pain: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. BMJ Open.