Neck Pain Stiffness

Neck pain and stiffness usually show up in small, annoying ways first. You can't turn your head far enough to check your blind spot. You wake up with a crick that never quite goes away. Or your shoulders creep up toward your ears by the end of every workday. We help people with this all the time at Hanson Chiropractic Center, and a stiff neck is one of the most common things we treat.

What causes neck pain and stiffness

Your head weighs about as much as a bowling ball, and your neck holds it up all day. When you look down at a phone or lean toward a screen, the muscles in the back of your neck work a lot harder to keep it there. Do that for hours, and they tighten up and stay that way.

Sleeping in an odd position, a pillow that's too high or too flat, and carrying stress in your shoulders all add to it. So does an old injury, like whiplash from a fender bender. And as we get older, the discs and joints in the neck wear down and stiffen, which is why a lot of people notice more neck trouble in their 40s and 50s.

When the pain spreads to your arm or your head

Neck pain doesn't always stay in your neck. If a nerve gets pinched or irritated, you might feel tingling, numbness, or a sharp pain running down your arm into your hand. Some people notice their grip feels weaker.

Others get headaches that start at the base of the skull and wrap up over the head. Tight muscles and stiff joints at the top of the neck are a common cause, and working on the neck can ease those headaches too. Our headache page goes into more detail.

How we treat neck pain and stiffness

We start by finding out what's tight, what's stuck, and whether a nerve is involved. We'll ask how it started and what makes it worse, then check how far you can turn and tilt your head, test the strength and reflexes in your arms, and feel for tight spots in your neck and upper back.

From there, most plans use a mix of these:

Gentle adjustments. A lot of people are nervous about having their neck adjusted, and we get it. We use light, controlled pressure with no quick twisting, and we'll explain what we're doing before we do it. Read more about our gentle chiropractic adjustments.

Massage. The muscles between your neck and shoulders take a beating from desk work and stress. Our massage therapist works on those knots when massage is part of your plan.

Laser therapy. For sore, inflamed spots, we use a Class IV laser. It feels like gentle warmth. Learn more about laser therapy.

Manual care like this is a standard option for neck pain. The 2017 neck pain guidelines in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy include mobilization and manipulation among the recommended treatments.

Small changes that help your neck

Hold your phone up closer to eye level instead of dropping your chin to read it. Raise your computer screen so the top of it sits about level with your eyes. Every half hour or so, roll your shoulders back and gently tuck your chin, like you're making a double chin. It looks a little silly, but it takes pressure off the back of your neck.

At night, pick a pillow that keeps your head level with your spine, and try not to sleep on your stomach. If you're driving a lot, set your headrest so it sits close to the back of your head.

When to get emergency care

Call 911 if neck pain comes on suddenly with dizziness, trouble speaking, vision changes, or weakness on one side of your body. Go to the ER for a stiff neck with a fever and a bad headache, or for neck pain after a car accident or a hard fall. Numbness in both arms or trouble with balance and walking needs a doctor right away too. You can also read about neck injuries and disorders on MedlinePlus.

Questions about neck pain and stiffness

How long does a stiff neck last?

A crick from sleeping wrong often loosens up in a few days. If it's still stiff after a week, keeps coming back, or you can't turn your head to drive, it's worth getting checked.

Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve in my neck?

Often, yes. When a nerve in your neck gets irritated, you might feel tingling, numbness, or pain down your arm. We test your arm strength and reflexes to see what's going on, then build a gentle plan around it. Results vary from person to person.

Will you crack my neck?

Not unless you're comfortable with it. We use gentle methods that don't involve quick twisting, and you can always tell us you'd rather skip something.

Why does my neck pop when I turn my head?

Little pops and clicks are usually gas bubbles or tendons moving over bone, and they're normally harmless. If the popping comes with pain, numbness, or a grinding feeling, mention it at your visit.

What kind of pillow is best for neck pain?

One that keeps your head level with the rest of your spine. Back sleepers usually do well with a thinner pillow. Side sleepers need one thick enough to fill the space between the ear and the shoulder. Stomach sleeping is hard on the neck, so try to break that habit if you can.

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Yes. Tight muscles and stiff joints at the top of your neck can send pain up the back of your head and behind your eyes. We see this a lot with people who sit at a desk all day. Read more about our headache care.

This page is general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor. Results vary from person to person. Fill out your new patient paperwork before your first visit, or see everything else we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.