Stiff Neck? How Chiropractic May Help

A stiff neck can limit movement and make daily tasks uncomfortable. Chiropractic care may offer support in reducing tension and improving neck mobility, depending on the cause of the issue.

Causes of Neck Discomfort

Neck pain can arise from several factors. These may include poor posture, such as spending long periods hunched over a computer or mobile device. Sudden movements or trauma, such as those experienced in road traffic collisions, can also contribute to symptoms.

Joint degeneration, often seen in age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, may be another factor. In some cases, muscle tension linked to stress or prolonged strain can affect the neck and shoulders.

Chiropractic Assessment

A chiropractor may begin with a structured assessment to understand what is contributing to your symptoms.

This could involve palpation (feeling for areas of tightness or reduced movement), testing how far your neck can move in different directions, and checking reflexes and muscle strength as part of a basic neurological screen.

These findings help inform whether chiropractic care is appropriate and which techniques may be considered.

Treatment Options

Chiropractors use a range of methods that may assist with neck-related discomfort. These can include:

• Spinal mobilisation: Gentle movements to improve joint mobility.
• Manual techniques: Applied to soft tissue to help ease muscular tension.
• Joint adjustments: Performed only where clinically indicated, and explained clearly in advance.

The approach used depends on the findings of the assessment and individual preferences.

Self-Care and Management Strategies

Outside of the clinic, certain activities may support recovery and comfort. Gentle stretching and basic neck exercises can sometimes help maintain mobility. Setting up a workstation to encourage upright posture may also reduce physical strain.

Applying heat or cold to the area might provide temporary relief. Your chiropractor can advise which strategies are appropriate based on your individual situation.