Neck pain is a common ailment that can severely impact your quality of life, whether it’s a sudden, sharp pain or a persistent, dull ache. It’s a condition that affects people of all ages and occupations, often stemming from the demands of modern life or past injuries. This fact sheet is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the common causes of neck pain and how chiropractic care may offer a pathway to relief and long-term recovery.
In this article, Dr. Simon Nash (Chiropractor) discusses the various sources of neck pain, from postural issues to trauma, and the different approaches a chiropractor might use to help with the symptoms.
Please note: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Neck Pain and Its Causes
- The Acute vs. Chronic Nature of Neck Pain
- The Chiropractic Approach to Neck Pain
- Adjustments and Mobilisation Techniques
- Advanced and Supplementary Therapies
- Understanding the Healing Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Book a Consult with Our Chiro Brisbane
- References
- Video Transcript
Understanding Neck Pain and Its Causes
Neck pain, or cervical pain, refers to discomfort in any of the structures in the neck, including the muscles, nerves, vertebrae, and discs. Given the neck’s incredible flexibility and the delicate cargo it protects—the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out to the rest of the body—it’s unsurprising that it’s a common site for pain and injury.
Dr. Nash notes that neck pain is a daily occurrence in the clinic.
The causes of neck pain are numerous, but they can generally be grouped into a few common categories:
1. Postural Strain
This is perhaps the most common modern cause of neck pain. It stems from the sustained, awkward positions we often adopt during daily activities.“Neck pain can come from forms of postural strain, so sitting at a desk or using your tablet or device.”
The classic example is ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck,’ where the head is constantly tilted forward while looking at a smartphone or computer screen. For every inch the head moves forward in that posture, the weight your neck muscles must support effectively increases by about 4.5 kilograms. Over time, this chronic strain can lead to muscle tightness, joint irritation, and pain.
2. Traumatic Injury
Sudden, forceful events can cause acute neck pain. These incidents are often unavoidable and require immediate attention.“You can have traumatic neck pain, so that can be from sporting injuries or even sleeping funny.”
This includes whiplash from car accidents, strains from contact sports, or even waking up with a severely stiff neck after sleeping in an unusual position. The rapid movement or impact can damage the soft tissues, ligaments, and joints of the neck.
The Acute vs. Chronic Nature of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be categorised by how quickly it develops and how long it lasts:
Acute Pain
This pain has a rapid onset, often directly following a specific event like a sporting injury or waking up with a crick in the neck.“It can be acute, which means it’s happened really quickly, again, from sporting injuries.” Acute pain is the body’s warning system and often signals tissue damage or irritation.
Chronic Pain
This pain is persistent and lasts for an extended period, typically three months or more. It’s often related to long-term issues that have compounded over time.“It can be chronic, which is something like arthritis, for example, or long-term poor posture”,he states. Osteoarthritis in the neck’s small facet joints is a common chronic cause, where the protective cartilage wears down, leading to inflammation and restricted movement. Similarly, years of poor posture can lead to degenerative changes and chronic muscle imbalances.
The Chiropractic Approach to Neck Pain
Chiropractic care for neck pain is comprehensive and focuses on restoring normal joint motion, reducing muscle tension, and addressing the underlying biomechanical issues causing the pain. Since neck pain has varied origins, treatment is tailored to the individual.
“We use a lot of different techniques to help with that. Whether that be soft tissue work, we could do adjustments to mobilise the area to help restore the biomechanical movement to the joints.”
A chiropractor’s goal is to improve the function of the spinal joints and surrounding muscles, thereby reducing nerve irritation and pain. A systematic review published in Spine found that spinal manipulation, a core chiropractic technique, can be an effective treatment for non-specific neck pain, see source below.
The Power of Movement
A key principle in chiropractic is that restricted movement in the joints of the neck can lead to pain and muscle tension.
“In my experience, when the joints of the neck aren’t moving properly, the body compensates, often leading to headaches or shoulder pain. Restoring that mobility is the first step to lasting relief,” says Dr. Nash.
Adjustments and Mobilisation Techniques
Chiropractors utilise a variety of hands-on techniques to address joint dysfunction in the neck.
These are the traditional, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts designed to restore motion to a restricted joint. Dr. Nash states “The treatments for neck pain that we would typically use in our clinic are manual adjustments.”
Low-Force Alternatives
For patients who prefer or medically require a gentler approach, chiropractors use specialised tools.
“Or, we could use activator, which is for people that can’t have manual adjustments around the joints, whether that’s due to medications, trauma, arthritis, things like that.” he adds.
The Activator Method uses a small, hand-held instrument to deliver a quick, low-force impulse to the spine, which can be highly effective for sensitive patients or those with conditions like severe arthritis.
Advanced and Supplementary Therapies
In addition to adjusting the joints, treatment often involves addressing the surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
Dry Needling and Soft Tissue Work
This targets muscle knots and trigger points that often accompany neck pain.“We would use some dry needling um if the patient is happy to do that. Some soft tissue work.” Dr. Nash states.
This approach can help release deep muscular tension, improving blood flow and reducing pain signals.
Kinesiology taping can be used to support the muscles and joints, helping to retrain posture and reduce stress on the neck.“We can do some taping methods such as kinesio taping to help restore movement through there.” he states.
Cold Laser and Shockwave Therapy
Our Chiro Brisbane uses advanced, non-invasive technologies to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Dr. Nash adds “We also use laser therapy, cold laser therapy which is painless. And we can use shockwave therapy up and around the base of the neck or into the shoulders.”
Cold Laser Therapy, or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce pain and inflammation without heat, making it a comfortable option even for acute, painful areas. Research published in The Lancet has supported the use of LLLT as an effective treatment for neck pain, see source below.
Understanding the Healing Process
Recovery from neck pain depends entirely on the underlying cause. A sudden strain from sleeping funny might resolve quickly, while chronic pain from arthritis or long-term poor posture will require a more extended period of care to manage the condition and prevent recurrence.
“The key to managing neck pain is not just to treat the pain, but to educate the patient on how to prevent it from coming back,” advises Dr. Nash. “This includes posture correction and specific strengthening exercises.”
Our goal is not merely to provide temporary relief but to restore the full, pain-free function of your neck so you can return to all your activities without restriction. This comprehensive approach is what allows us to effectively manage both acute flare-ups and long-standing chronic issues. For more information on how we manage injuries, please check out our dedicated Injury Management page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is ‘tech neck,’ and how can I avoid it? A: ‘Tech neck’ is pain caused by constantly looking down at a mobile device or computer. To avoid it, raise your screen to eye level and take regular breaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch and move.
Q2: Can my neck pain be causing my headaches? A: Yes. A very common type of headache, called a cervicogenic headache, is caused by joint or muscle issues in the neck. Chiropractic treatment that addresses the neck dysfunction can often resolve these headaches.
Q3: Is a neck adjustment safe? A: When performed by a registered and experienced chiropractor, manual adjustments to the neck are widely considered safe. Your chiropractor will always conduct a thorough examination and discuss any potential risks before treatment, offering low-force alternatives where appropriate.
Q4: Should I use heat or ice for my neck pain? A: For acute pain, especially within the first 48 hours, ice is generally recommended to help reduce inflammation. For chronic tension or stiffness, heat may be more soothing to relax tight muscles. Your chiropractor can give you a specific recommendation.
Q5: How many sessions will it take to fix my neck pain? A: Treatment plans are highly personalised. Acute issues might improve in a few visits, while chronic pain may require more extended care focusing on rehabilitation and long-term management. We will discuss a clear plan with you after your initial assessment.
Q6: What exercises help with neck pain? A: Gentle stretches for the neck and upper back, along with exercises to strengthen the deep neck flexor muscles, are often prescribed. Your chiropractor will provide you with specific, tailored exercises as part of your treatment plan.
Q7: Can stress cause me to have neck pain? A: Absolutely. When you are stressed, your muscles, particularly those in your neck and upper shoulders (like the trapezius), often tense up involuntarily, leading to muscle stiffness, pain, and sometimes headaches.
Book a Consult with Our Chiro Brisbane
We truly understand how frustrating and debilitating persistent neck pain can be. It can steal your sleep, interrupt your focus at work, and stop you from enjoying simple pleasures like turning your head to check traffic or playing with your children. You don’t have to live with that constant stiffness or the fear of a sudden, sharp pain.
At Our Chiro Brisbane, we are dedicated to listening to your story and identifying the specific reason why you are experiencing pain. Our experienced chiropractors will work with you to develop a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan focused on relieving your current pain and, crucially, helping you manage and prevent future flare-ups.
Take a decisive step towards a more comfortable, pain-free life. Book an appointment with Our Chiro Brisbane today.
References
Chow, R. T., Johnson, M. I., Lopes-Martins, R. A. B., & Bjordal, J. M. (2009). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. The Lancet, 374(9705), 1897–1908. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19913903/
Miller, J., Gross, A., D’Sylva, J., Burnie, S. J., Goldsmith, C. H., Graham, N., Haines, T., Brønfort, G., & Hoving, J. L. (2010). Manual therapy and exercise for neck pain: a systematic review. Manual Therapy, 15(4), 334–354. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20593537/
Video Transcript
What causes neck pain and how can chiropractors help? Neck pain is something that we see in the clinic every day. Neck pain can come from forms of postural strain, so sitting at a desk or using your tablet or device. You can have traumatic uh neck pain, so that can be from sporting injuries or even sleeping funny. It can be acute, which means it’s happened really quickly, again, from sporting injuries. It can be chronic, which is something like arthritis, for example, or long-term poor posture. Um, we use a lot of different techniques to help with that. Whether that be soft tissue work, we could do adjustments to mobilize uh the area to help restore the biomechanical movement to the joints. So, the treatments uh for neck pain that we would typically use in our clinic um are manual adjustments or we could use activator, which is for people that can’t have manual adjustments around the joints, whether that’s due to medications, trauma, arthritis, things like that. We would use some dry needling um if the patient is happy to do that. Some soft tissue work. We can do some taping methods such as kinesisio taping to help restore movement through there. We also use uh laser therapy, cold laser therapy which is painless. And we can use shockwave therapy up and around the base of the neck or into the shoulders.
This blog post was written and approved by Dr Simon Nash
Dr Simon Nash (M.Chiro, B.Chiro Sci.) is a chiropractor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is a full professional member of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and Chiropractic Australia, and is AHPRA registered (CHI0000970189). Simon graduated from Macquarie University and is dual-registered to practise in Australia and Hong Kong.
He began his career in a multidisciplinary neurology-focused clinic in Sydney, developing a strong interest in treating headaches and migraines. Since 2006, he has operated Our Chiro Brisbane, now alongside his sisters Jessica and Rebecca.
Simon treats everyday injuries, workplace rehabilitation cases and complex presentations using a wide range of techniques. His sports medicine experience spans elite athletes including NRL and Rugby Union players, Olympians, and events like the Australian Open and Hong Kong 7s. He has also treated Guns N’ Roses during tour.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a chiropractor, GP, or other qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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