Neck Pain

Cervical pain, also known as neck pain, has been affecting people around Australia for hundreds of years and can be debilitating and frustrating. The neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of the neck support the head and allow it to move. Abnormalities, inflammation, and injury may cause neck pain or stiffness.

What are the common causes of neck pain?

Neck pain is commonly associated with three main factors:

Spinal joint dysfunction or restricted movement

The spine consists of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the pelvis, providing stability and support for the upper body. When joints in the cervical spine are not moving well, this may contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck and surrounding areas.

Muscular dysfunction in the neck

The neck is supported by the cervical spine and the muscles surrounding the neck and head. When these muscles become tight, sore or dysfunctional, the neck may shift forward from a neutral position, contributing to postural changes. This can be associated with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and tightness in the shoulders and neck.

Postural factors

When joints in the spine are under extra load or restricted in movement, this may contribute to muscle imbalances and postural changes over time. Addressing neck pain early is generally recommended to prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.

Symptoms of neck pain

Neck pain is a common presentation at our practices around Australia. People may experience symptoms including

Pain that becomes worse by holding the head in one place for long periods of time
Limited movement or rotation
Muscle tightness
Muscle spasms
Headaches
Aching
Sharp pain
Stuck feeling
Difficulty sleeping or getting comfortable
Irritability

Acute Neck Pain

Acute neck pain is pain that has typically just occurred or has occurred within a 0–48 hour window. Neck pain can occur from trauma, but many people experience neck pain from something as simple as a restless night’s sleep. In many cases, acute neck pain can resolve on its own, however we recommend seeking prompt medical advice if any of the following symptoms are present:

Associated headache that is waking you up at night
Increased body temperature or fever
Referred pain — pain going down the arms
Any weakness of the arms or legs

Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic cervical pain is defined as pain that has been ongoing for more than three months. Symptoms can be frustrating, may come and go, and can range in intensity. Chronic neck pain has been reported to impact daily life through disrupted sleep, increased irritability and decreased productivity.

If you are experiencing chronic cervical pain or any other kind of chronic pain, it is recommended to seek advice from a chiropractor or other allied health professional. If you are unsure which health professional to see, you can contact us directly or speak to your local GP.

How may chiropractic care help with neck pain?

A systematic review examining studies on cervical pain published since 2000 found improvements in pain scores and mobility in patients receiving chiropractic care.¹ While the authors noted the evidence was low to moderate in quality, results indicated improvement compared to sham or placebo treatment. As with any area of healthcare, further high-quality research is ongoing.

Through a combination of manual adjustments, low force techniques, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises, chiropractic care aims to help reduce pain levels, decrease muscle tension in and around the neck, and increase range of motion.

¹ Coulter ID, Crawford C, Vernon H, et al. Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for an Appropriateness Panel. Pain Physician. 2019;22(2):E55–E70.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, or wish to book an appointment with one of our experienced Chiropractors, head to our contact us page and select your preferred practice.