Neck Pain Stiffness

A stiff neck makes simple tasks hard. Checking your blind spot hurts, and so does looking down at your phone. At Hanson Chiropractic Center in Edmond, we find the source of your neck pain first. Then we build a gentle care plan around you. You get no twisting, no popping, and no pressure to commit before you understand your options.

What causes neck pain and a stiff neck?

Your neck holds up a head weighing about 10 pounds. Seven small bones, many joints, and layers of muscle share the work, so strain on any of them brings pain.

Tech neck is a common cause. When you tilt your head down to read a phone or work on a laptop, your neck muscles strain to hold the weight. After a few hours, the joints stiffen. Other causes include a poor sleeping position, a car accident, a fall, a sports injury, and daily stress. But sometimes you wake up with a stiff neck and no clear reason.

Signs your neck needs care

Neck pain does not always stay in the neck. Watch for a tight or achy feeling at the base of your skull or across your shoulders. Many people also struggle to turn their head and check traffic. Others get headaches starting at the back of the head. Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arm or hand points to an irritated nerve, so tell us if you notice any of these.

How we treat neck pain in Edmond

Every neck is different, so we don't use one plan for everyone. After your exam, Dr. Ryan Hanson or Dr. Justin McGinn matches your care to what's causing your pain. Many plans combine a few of the options below.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments

We use low-force methods to restore movement in stiff neck joints. Instead of twisting or forceful popping, we apply light pressure where your neck needs help. Because of this, most patients find the visit calming. Read more about our gentle chiropractic adjustments.

Spinal decompression therapy

When a neck disc presses on a nerve, decompression gently stretches your spine. This reduces pressure, so the nerve gets more room to calm down. The care targets neck pain spreading into your arms, while the method stays non-surgical and drug-free. See how decompression therapy works.

Class IV laser therapy

Laser therapy sends light energy into sore tissue. The light reduces inflammation and supports healing. During treatment, most patients feel only gentle warmth. Many care plans combine laser therapy with adjustments, especially for tight neck and shoulder muscles.

Therapeutic massage

Tight muscles in your neck, upper back, and shoulders keep pain going. Our massage therapist works to release tension while supporting the rest of your care plan. Learn about our massage therapy.

What to expect at your first visit

We start by listening. First, you tell us where you hurt, what makes the pain worse, and what you've already tried. Mention any recent accident, fall, or neck injury. Next, we examine your neck, check your movement and reflexes, and take digital x-rays when they help. Once we see the full picture, we walk you through your care plan in plain language. You'll know what we recommend, the reason behind each step, and what to expect from each visit.

Bring a list of your medications and details about any past injuries or surgeries. To save time, complete your new patient paperwork before you arrive. Before your visit, meet the people who will care for you on our team page.

Simple habits to ease neck strain

Small changes help between visits. First, raise your screen to eye level. Next, hold your phone higher instead of looking down. Then stand up and move every 30 minutes. Finally, choose a pillow keeping your neck in line with your spine. We show you more at your visit.

How soon will you feel better?

Every body responds differently. A neck strain from a long week often eases faster than pain you've lived with for months or years. Some patients notice relief within the first few visits, but others need several weeks of steady care. We check your progress along the way and adjust your plan as you improve. We'll also talk through realistic expectations at your first visit. Individual results vary.

When to get urgent medical care

Most neck pain isn't an emergency, but a few symptoms need a doctor right away. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for a sudden, severe headache, chest pain, trouble speaking, a drooping face, vision changes, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body. A stiff neck with a fever and a severe headache also needs emergency care. After a car accident, a fall, or a hard blow to the head or neck, seek care right away. Call your physician if you have unexplained weight loss or neck pain waking you at night and getting worse.

Neck pain questions

Does chiropractic care help neck pain?

Many people with neck pain choose chiropractic care. Some research supports manual therapy, including spinal manipulation, for neck pain. Because results vary, we start with an exam to see whether your symptoms fit chiropractic care. If they don't, we tell you and point you to the right provider.

Is a neck adjustment safe?

Our low-force methods avoid twisting and forceful popping. Serious problems from neck care are rare. Still, we review your health history and examine your neck before treatment. Tell us about any blood vessel problems, past strokes, or recent neck injuries.

Why do I wake up with a stiff neck?

A common cause is sleep position, because a pillow too high or too flat holds your neck at an angle for hours. Stress and tight shoulders also add to the problem. If stiffness lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back, schedule an exam.

Do neck problems cause headaches?

Sometimes. Tight neck muscles and stiff joints near the base of the skull often send pain up into the head, so we check your neck as part of any headache exam. But sudden or severe headaches need medical care first.

Do I need x-rays before treatment?

Not always. We decide after your exam and history. When x-rays help us see your spine's structure and plan your care, we take digital images in our office.

Do you work with my primary care doctor?

Yes. Tell us about your current care and medications. If you would benefit from another provider, such as a physician or specialist, we'll say so. With your written permission, we're glad to share information with your doctor.

This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your physician. Individual results vary. Read about other concerns we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.