By the Fitness Chiropractic team · Updated
What causes neck pain?
Your neck balances the weight of your head on seven small vertebrae while letting you turn, tilt and nod. That flexibility makes it easy to strain. Neck pain can be acute — coming on suddenly and lasting days to weeks — or chronic, lasting three months or more. Common causes include:
- Posture — hours looking down at a phone or laptop load the muscles at the back of the neck
- Stress — tension tightens the neck and shoulder muscles, and if they never get a chance to relax, pain and fatigue build
- Stiff or restricted joints in the neck and upper back, which limit how far you can turn
- A cervical herniated disc, where disc material presses on a nerve root
- Wear-and-tear changes such as arthritis and bone spurs, which become more common with age
- Injuries from car accidents, sports or falls, including whiplash
Neck pain from sleeping wrong
Waking up with a stiff neck that won't turn one way is very common. An awkward sleeping position, a pillow that's too high or too flat, or sleeping on your stomach with your head twisted can strain muscles and irritate the small joints of the neck overnight.
Most cases ease within a few days. Gentle movement, heat and a pillow that keeps your neck level with your spine usually help. If the stiffness keeps coming back or lasts more than a few days, an exam can find out why.
Pinched nerve in the neck
When a disc or bone spur crowds a nerve root as it leaves the neck, pain can travel into the shoulder blade, arm and hand. You may notice tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or fingers, and the pain may get worse when you look up or turn your head toward the sore side.
This is called cervical radiculopathy. Many cases settle with conservative care, but we check your reflexes, strength and sensation carefully and refer you for imaging or a medical opinion if weakness is significant or getting worse.
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Get your neck pain checked — $75
Neck pain with headaches or dizziness
Tight neck muscles and stiff upper neck joints can refer pain into the head — often starting at the base of the skull and wrapping toward the forehead or behind one eye. These neck-related (cervicogenic) and tension-type headaches are among the headaches most likely to respond when the neck is treated. If you also get migraines, see our page on migraine headaches.
Some people with neck problems also feel lightheaded or off-balance. Dizziness has many possible causes, so we screen it carefully and send you to a medical doctor when that's the right call.
Neck pain after a car accident
Even a low-speed collision can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Pain, stiffness and headaches often show up hours or a day or two later rather than at the scene. If you've been in a crash, it's worth getting checked early — learn how our car accident chiropractor care works.
How our chiropractors treat neck pain
Your visit starts with a full orthopedic and neurological exam and a look at your posture and how your neck moves. Treatment is then tailored to you and may include:
- Gentle neck and upper back adjustments to restore motion in stiff joints — if you'd rather not have your neck adjusted, slower mobilization techniques are an option
- Soft tissue therapy and massage to release tight neck, shoulder and upper back muscles
- Exercises to strengthen the deep neck muscles and improve posture
- Workstation and sleep advice so your daily habits support your recovery
Treating the upper back often helps the neck too, because the two move as a unit. You can read more about our overall approach to chiropractic treatment, or check the signs it's time to see a chiropractor for neck pain.
How long does neck pain take to improve?
Many recent neck strains ease within days to a few weeks, especially if you keep moving gently. Long-standing pain, or pain involving a nerve, usually takes longer. Your chiropractor will set realistic expectations after your exam and track your range of motion and symptoms as you progress.
When to see a doctor first
Get medical care promptly, rather than starting with a chiropractic visit, if neck pain:
- Follows a major injury, such as a high-speed crash or a fall from a height
- Comes with fever, a severe headache and a stiff neck together
- Comes with arm weakness, spreading numbness, or problems with balance, walking or coordination
- Starts suddenly alongside dizziness, double vision, slurred speech or trouble swallowing — call 911, as these can signal a problem with blood flow to the brain
For everyday neck pain and stiffness, a chiropractic exam is a sensible place to start.
