A sore neck every now and then is common—but when the pain sticks around for weeks or even months, it could be a sign of something more serious. Chronic neck pain is a widespread issue that can interfere with sleep, work, and daily routines, often becoming a frustrating and exhausting part of life.
The neck plays a vital role in both supporting the weight of your head and enabling a wide range of movement. But this mobility comes at a cost. Its structure leaves it especially prone to strain, misalignment, and wear over time. When discomfort doesn’t resolve on its own, it’s often due to underlying problems that need expert evaluation and care. So, what should you know?
Causes of Chronic Neck Pain
The neck is made up of seven vertebrae, cushioned by discs and supported by muscles and ligaments. When something disrupts this delicate structure, it can lead to ongoing pain. One of the most common culprits? Poor posture. Hours spent hunched over a computer or looking down at a phone place consistent strain on the cervical spine, leading to muscle fatigue, tension, and joint stress.
Age-related changes also play a significant role. As we get older, spinal discs naturally lose hydration and flexibility, reducing their ability to cushion movement. Arthritis can develop in the small joints between vertebrae, making motion stiff or painful. These degenerative changes tend to progress slowly, often flaring up during certain activities or weather shifts.
Previous injuries—even those that seemed minor at the time—can leave lasting effects. Whiplash from car accidents, for example, may disrupt spinal alignment or create chronic muscle tension patterns that persist long after the initial healing period.
Nerve compression is another common issue. When spinal structures shift, swell, or degenerate, they can press on nearby nerves. This often causes pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands, and may worsen with certain head movements or postures.
Even something as simple as how you sleep can impact neck health. Poor pillow support or awkward sleep positions can leave neck muscles tense and fatigued, preventing full recovery overnight.
In most cases, chronic neck pain doesn’t stem from just one source. It’s often the result of several overlapping factors that build up gradually over time. So, most importantly, what can you do about it?
How Chiropractic Care Addresses Neck Pain
Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment and improving overall neck function. Your Plano chiropractor uses precise, controlled movements to address joint restrictions and reduce nerve interference. These adjustments help restore normal motion patterns while reducing inflammation around affected structures.
Spinal manipulation targets specific areas where movement has become limited or painful. The goal involves improving joint mobility while reducing muscle tension and nerve irritation. This approach addresses underlying mechanical problems rather than simply masking symptoms with temporary measures.
Treatment plans typically involve multiple visits over several weeks, allowing gradual improvement as tissues heal and adapt. The frequency and duration of care depend on various factors, including symptom severity, underlying causes, and individual response to treatment.
Curious to learn more? At Keystone Chiropractic, our team can help you make pain a thing of the past. Book your appointment today to begin paving your way toward a pain-free tomorrow!
