Neck Pain: Why It Happens and How Chiropractic Can Help
Photo by Kindel Media
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints I see in practice—and it’s no surprise. Between hours spent looking down at phones, working on laptops, and the natural changes that come with aging, our necks take on a lot of stress. Over time, this stress can lead to stiffness, tension, and pain that interferes with daily life.
But here’s the thing: neck pain doesn’t come from just one source. It can stem from seven different tissue structures—nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, discs, and joints. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. To truly address neck pain, you need a chiropractor who looks at the whole picture and finds the root cause.
My Approach to Neck Pain
In my practice, I take a holistic approach to care. This means I don’t just adjust your spine and send you on your way. Instead, I combine:
Chiropractic adjustments to realign the bones of the spine and restore mobility.
Soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles and fascia that are pulling the joints out of balance.
Think of it like tuning an instrument: if you only adjust one string, the music still sounds off. But when you align all the strings together—the bones and the soft tissues—the whole body plays in harmony again.
Why People Fear Neck Adjustments
It’s common for people to feel nervous about chiropractic care for the neck. The fear often comes from two things:
The “cracking” sound: That pop isn’t bones breaking—it’s simply gas releasing from the joint, much like opening a soda can.
Perception of risk: Stories circulate about injuries from neck adjustments, but the truth is that these risks are extremely rare—rarer than many everyday activities like taking over-the-counter medication. Research consistently shows that chiropractic neck adjustments, when performed by a licensed doctor of chiropractic, are safe and effective for most people.
And if you’re not comfortable with a traditional manual adjustment? That’s okay. I offer low-force techniques using gentle hand-held tools that tap the bone back into place without any twisting or cracking. You’re always in control of your care, and we’ll choose the method that feels right for you.
How Aging and Posture Play a Role
Our society is built around sitting—at desks, in cars, and on couches. Add hours of looking down at phones, and our necks are constantly being pulled forward. Over time, this posture can strain the discs, ligaments, and muscles, speeding up wear and tear.
With age, the body’s tissues naturally lose some elasticity and hydration. Discs may thin, joints can stiffen, and muscles become less resilient. This doesn’t mean pain is inevitable—it simply means the body needs more intentional care to stay mobile and balanced. Chiropractic care helps by restoring movement, releasing tension, and keeping the spine aligned so your neck can age gracefully.
Don’t Just Mask the Pain—Address the Root Cause
Neck pain isn’t something you have to live with or simply push through. By addressing the underlying imbalances—whether in the bones, discs, joints, or muscles—chiropractic care offers a safe, effective path to relief and long-term wellness.
If you’ve been struggling with neck pain, stiffness, or tension, now is the time to take the first step.
Book an appointment today, and let’s get to the root cause so you can move, feel, and live better.
