Neck pain is a common issue that two-thirds of people will experience at some point in their life, often stemming from problems in the lower neck and upper back. This pain can be a symptom of various spinal issues, strains, and injuries. While neck pain usually resolves within a couple of days due to poor posture or minor injuries, more severe conditions can cause persistent pain lasting several months. Although it’s typically not severe enough to require immediate medical attention, neck pain could signal a more serious underlying issue.
Many people mistakenly attribute neck pain to stress and turn to painkillers for temporary relief, masking the symptoms however this doesn’t address the root cause. As a result, neck pain can become chronic, with stiffness and range of motion worsening to the point where movement becomes difficult. Some may recall a specific injury, like whiplash, but many others can’t pinpoint when the pain began. Over time, the discomfort often escalates, making daily activities, such as backing out of the driveway, increasingly difficult. It’s at this point that many seek chiropractic care, though earlier intervention could have prevented the pain from becoming more severe.
Chiropractors can help alleviate neck pain caused by injuries, poor posture, or stress. If neck pain is recurring or persistent, it’s a sign that some lifestyle adjustments may be needed, and professional care is essential to avoid long-term dysfunction.
Common causes of neck and upper back pain are typically straightforward and can be easily addressed:
Muscle strain and overuse: are the most frequent culprits, often resulting from physical exertion, sharp head turns, or improper stretching. This type of dull, stiff ache can last a few days and is prone to recurring if muscles aren’t rested properly and precautions aren’t taken before engaging in strenuous activity.
Poor posture or prolonged neck strain often occurs after awkward sleeping positions, such as dozing on a couch or without proper head support. This can lead to a painful, restrictive neck that limits movement for a day or two, leaving you constantly aware of the discomfort. Similarly, sitting in a poor position for extended periods—such as hunched over a computer screen—can also contribute to this type of strain.
Stress can exacerbate neck pain by causing you to involuntarily tense the muscles in your neck and upper back. When combined with poor posture or muscle strain, stress can intensify the pain, leaving you feeling worse.
Stress can also leave your nervous system stuck in ‘fight or flight’ mode. The other side of your nervous system is ‘rest and digest’. If your body is not allowed enough time in the ‘rest and digest’ setting then the amount of healing you can do is reduced. This can also increase inflammation.
Whiplash and Concussions refers to injuries caused by sudden, forceful neck movements, commonly resulting from rear-end car accidents. This can occur when the head is abruptly jerked in one direction. Pain often radiates through the neck, shoulders, and sometimes down the back. Even mild symptoms can persist for months or even years following the incident.
In more serious cases, neck pain may be caused by underlying conditions like spinal stenosis, infections, head or neck cancers, or carotid artery dissection. These conditions are typically accompanied by other symptoms and require professional treatment to resolve the pain and prevent further complications.
At Waitaki Chiropractic, we take a functional approach to spine care, focusing on how your spine is currently functioning, how it reached its current state, and the best strategies to restore movement. The more degeneration present in your spine, the harder it becomes to regain proper movement. By addressing functional issues early, is key to maintaining a healthy, well-functioning spine and helps in preventing degeneration and associated symptoms. While we can help slow the progression of spinal degeneration through movement and care, it’s important to note that we cannot reverse or stop conditions like osteoarthritis.
During an initial assessment, chiropractors conduct a comprehensive examination of the spine, which can sometimes include x-rays. In many cases, we discover varying degrees of osteoarthritis, a condition that typically develops where functional problems have been present over time. More often than not, the extent of degeneration reveals that the issue has been ongoing for longer than the patient initially realizes.
What does the research say?
In the February Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics journal, a study by New Zealand and Canadian researchers suggested spinal manipulation of the neck can relax muscles in the arms and may be useful in relaxation of the whole body. The conclusion was that anything causing tightness in the neck joints also might cause muscle pain in the arms or elsewhere.
Chiropractors often use gentle manipulation to restore normal function of the joints in the neck which can reduce neck pain, help improve range of motion and reduce the chances of degeneration.
Research and clinical experience suggest that chiropractic care can aid in concussion recovery by addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions, improving circulation, and enhancing neurological function.
Many individuals with concussions also experience dysfunction in the neck and upper spine due to the force of impact. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to restore mobility and alignment, which can reduce stiffness and improve overall function.
Tension in the cervical spine is a common cause of post-concussion headaches. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pressure in the neck and upper spine, leading to reduced pain and improved comfort.
Chiropractic care can promote better circulation and facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting the brain’s natural healing process.
Concussions can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to process environmental information, leading to balance and coordination issues. By addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractic care may help restore proper neurological function, aiding in balance recovery.
Every concussion is unique, requiring an individualized approach to care. At our practice, we tailor treatment plans to each patient, incorporating adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize recovery.
Recovering from a concussion takes time, patience, and a well-rounded approach. Chiropractic care can be an effective complementary therapy that addresses the physical effects of a concussion, helping individuals regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and support neurological function.
By integrating chiropractic care with medical guidance, rest, and rehabilitation, individuals can achieve a more complete and successful recovery—getting back to living life to the fullest.
Cade, A., & Turnbull, P. R. (2022). Clinical testing of mild traumatic brain injury using computerized eye-tracking tests. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 105(7), 680-686.
We would love to help you in your health journey Get in touch with our team or book an appointment online.
Our Chiropractors at Waitaki Chiropractic are registered professionals, holding their practicing certificate from the New Zealand Chiropractic Board to safely conduct care within New Zealand. Max and Maree are ACC accredited and can help with ACC claims and treatment plans for injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
Maree has also completed an additional course by Backbone Academy in Australia for veterinary chiropractic which is recognised and certified by the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association), AVCA and COAC in addition to holding her certification by the FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) as a permitted equine therapist.
