Chronic Neck Pain

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What is chronic neck pain?

Neck pain is discomfort or soreness in the cervical region of the spine, which includes the neck muscles, ligaments, nerves, and vertebrae. It can range from mild stiffness to severe, sharp, or radiating pain that limits movement and affects daily activities. Neck pain may be localized to the neck itself or referred to the shoulders, upper back, or arms, depending on the underlying cause.

Common Related Conditions

Muscle Strain or Tension

Cervical Herniated or Bulging Discs

Cervical Spondylosis (Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease)

Whiplash or Other Neck Injuries

Pinched or Compressed Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy)

Causes of chronic neck pain

Chronic neck pain is generally caused by ‘mechanical’ factors such as trauma (an accident or fall), degenerative changes in the spine, herniated discs, nerve compression, arthritis, or “good student” postures – those that occur from years of forward head position after many years at school or at work, computers. Adhesions that form in the neck can pull into the base of the skull, upper back, or shoulders, causing pain in those areas. Anti-inflammatory and pain medications can mask pain but do little to address the cause.

Symptoms of chronic neck pain

Common symptoms of neck pain include:

Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the neck
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Muscle tightness or spasms in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, or upper back
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
Headaches often start at the base of the skull
Grinding or popping sensations with neck movement
Difficulty holding the head in certain positions for long periods
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or poor posture
Fatigue or discomfort from chronic tension in the neck muscles

Treatment for chronic neck pain

Providers who treat the neck alone often miss two important elements:

The support structures below the neck can create asymmetry and strains in the neck as it responds to an uneven foundation, and
The tiny but powerful cross-links – the building blocks of adhesions – can bind muscle, bone, and nerve cells, causing stiffness and pain.

In order to have lasting results with chronic neck pain, the structures below the neck must also be evaluated and treated. Only when the spine is balanced on the stable foundation of a horizontal pelvis can treatment at the neck be effective and provide long-lasting results.

Our physical therapists are thoroughly trained to palpate, evaluate, and decrease the powerful adhesive cross-links that form in the neck and its support structures. We start by addressing the myofascial tissues (muscles and fascia) of the head and neck. From there, we will evaluate and treat any tight areas at the shoulders and chest – areas that often become tightened from years of forward head posture. Then, we evaluate the structure and symmetry of the back and pelvis in order to create a stable foundation for a vertical spine.

We decrease or eliminate the adhesive pulls that have formed over the years in the neck and its support structures in order to return each patient to a body that is mobile, functional, and pain-free, from head to toe.

Other Treatment Options (Surgery, Drugs)

Over-the-counter NSAIDs or pain relievers
Prescription NSAID or pain relievers
Prescription muscle relaxers
Acupuncture
Homeopathy

Other treatment options for neck pain vary widely depending on the severity of the patient’s pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrodes placed near painful trigger areas to deliver impulses designed to relieve pain. However, this does very little to effectively treat the cause of the pain, leaving the patient with only temporary relief from pain and symptoms. Traction is sometimes used in patients using weights or pulleys under medical professional supervision to aid in stretching the neck. Tracton can provide relief of neck pain related to nerve root irritation; if the pain is not related to nerve root irritation, this treatment will not be effective and can even add to the problems. Short-term immobilization is another treatment option, taking pressure off the structures in your neck. It is noted that if used for a long period of time (more than 2-3 hours at a time) or for more than a few weeks, the collar may do more damage to your symptoms, creating only a temporary and sometimes risky solution. Surgery is rarely used as a treatment for neck pain and is used as the last option in a patient’s treatment course.

Condition Specific Disclaimer:

Clear Passage® Therapy is a non-surgical, manual physical therapy designed to address adhesions and restrictions in soft tissues and fascia. Some patients report improvement in neck pain, stiffness, and mobility; however, results vary by individual.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening neck pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek immediate medical attention.

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