Neck Pain

 

Neck pain is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages. It may feel like stiffness, aching, sharp pain or even radiate into the shoulders, arms or head (causing headaches). Neck pain can disrupt sleep, reduce work productivity and impact daily activities and quality of life (Côté et al., 2016).

 

How Neck Pain Can Typically Present

1. Mechanical or Non-Specific Neck Pain – The most common type, involving joints or muscles without serious underlying disease. Often worse with certain movements or postures (Cohen & Hooten, 2017).

2. Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) – Occurs after acceleration–deceleration injuries such as car accidents. Can cause neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness and sometimes cognitive or mood changes (Sterling et al., 2014).

3. Cervical Radiculopathy – Pain radiating into the arm from nerve irritation or compression, often with numbness, tingling or weakness. Commonly caused by disc herniation or degenerative changes (Thoomes et al., 2013).

4. Cervicogenic Headache – Headache that starts in the neck and radiates to the head, often on one side. Linked to restricted neck movement (Chaibi & Russell, 2012).

5. Postural or Activity-Related Neck Pain – Caused by prolonged poor posture, repetitive tasks or extended device use. Often linked to muscle fatigue and tension (Côté et al., 2016).

 

Common Causes

• Poor posture (especially with prolonged device use)

• Repetitive strain from work or daily activities

• Trauma (e.g., whiplash or sports injuries)

• Degenerative changes such as arthritis or disc wear

• Muscle imbalance, weakness or tightness

• Stress and psychological factors (Cohen & Hooten, 2017; Sterling et al., 2014)

 

How Chiropractic Can Help

Research supports Chiropractic and conservative care for neck pain, especially when combined with self-management:

• Spinal Manipulation & Mobilisation – Reduce pain and improve movement for acute, subacute and chronic neck pain (Bronfort et al., 2012; Gross et al., 2015).

• Exercise & Rehabilitation – Strengthen neck muscles, improve posture and lower the risk of recurrence (Gross et al., 2015).

• Soft Tissue Therapy – Relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility (Côté et al., 2016).

• Education & Ergonomic Advice – Promote better posture, improve workstation setup and encourage regular breaks (Gross et al., 2015; Cohen & Hooten, 2017).

 

Chiropractic care is tailored to each person, combining hands-on treatment, exercises and education to relieve symptoms and help prevent future episodes.