Neck Pain Chiropractor in Raleigh, NC

Neck pain can develop from muscle strain, joint restriction, poor posture, disc problems, nerve irritation, or injuries such as whiplash. Some patients experience localized stiffness, while others have pain that spreads into the shoulders, upper back, arms, or head.

At Carolina ChiroCare & Rehab, we evaluate the cause of your neck pain and determine whether chiropractic care or another non-surgical treatment may be appropriate.

• Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain with turning or looking up or down
• Headaches associated with neck tension
• Shoulder or upper-back discomfort
• Arm pain, numbness, or tingling
• Pain following an auto accident or other injury

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How Chiropractic Care May Help Neck Pain

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain musculoskeletal causes of neck pain. Treatment is based on what we find during your examination rather than using the same approach for every patient.

Depending on the condition, care may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to improve restricted joint movement
• Soft tissue therapy for muscle tightness and irritation
• Therapeutic exercise to improve mobility and stability
• Class IV laser therapy for certain soft tissue and joint conditions
• Spinal decompression therapy for appropriate disc and nerve-related problems
• Posture and ergonomic guidance for repetitive strain and desk-related neck pain

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How We Evaluate Neck Pain

Neck pain can come from several different structures, so identifying the likely source is an important part of determining treatment. During your evaluation, we may assess:

• Where the pain is located
• When symptoms began
• Neck range of motion
• Pain with specific movements
• Muscle tightness or tenderness
• Joint mobility
• Arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Headaches or dizziness
• Previous accidents or injuries
• Posture and repetitive activities

When clinically appropriate, we may also review X-rays, MRI findings, or other diagnostic information. If your symptoms indicate that additional medical evaluation is appropriate, we will recommend the appropriate next step.

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Common Causes of Neck Pain

Muscle Strain & Postural Stress

• Often develops from prolonged sitting, computer use, repetitive activity, or poor sleeping position.
• May cause stiffness, soreness, and difficulty turning the head.
• Treatment may focus on restoring comfortable movement and reducing muscular tension.

Cervical Disc Problems

• Bulging or herniated discs can irritate nearby joints or nerves.
• Symptoms may include neck pain, shoulder pain, or pain traveling into the arm.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness can occur when a nerve is involved.

Pinched or Irritated Nerves

• Nerve irritation may cause symptoms beyond the neck itself.
• Pain can travel into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
• Evaluation helps determine whether nerve involvement is contributing to the symptoms.

Whiplash & Auto Accident Injuries

• Sudden acceleration and deceleration can strain joints, muscles, and ligaments in the neck.
• Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, limited mobility, and upper-back discomfort.
• Symptoms sometimes develop hours or days after the accident.

Degenerative Changes & Arthritis

• Age-related changes may affect cervical joints and discs.
• Symptoms can include stiffness, reduced mobility, and recurring neck pain.
• Treatment depends on the specific structures involved and the patient's examination findings.

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Neck Pain Treatment at Carolina ChiroCare

Treatment depends on what is contributing to your symptoms. A patient with muscular tension may require a different approach than someone with a cervical disc problem, nerve irritation, or whiplash injury.

Based on your examination, your treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, spinal decompression, or home-care recommendations.

Our goal is to select treatment based on your condition rather than applying the same treatment plan to every patient.

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Neck Pain After a Car Accident

Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms following an auto accident. Whiplash and other collision-related injuries can affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves of the cervical spine.

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes has advanced training through the Spine Research Institute of San Diego in Whiplash and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, including advanced certification in whiplash biomechanics and injury traumatology.

• Neck stiffness or reduced movement
• Headaches
• Shoulder or upper-back pain
• Muscle soreness
• Arm pain or tingling
• Symptoms that appear hours or days after the collision

Learn more about Car Accident Injury Treatment →

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