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Why Does My Neck Hurt? Top Causes of Neck Pain (And How Chiropractic Can Help)
- Dr. Annie Armstrong
- May 1
- 4 min read
If you've ever found yourself rubbing the back of your neck after a long day at work or waking up with stiffness you can't shake, you're not alone. Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, especially among adults in Lynnwood, WA. But why does it happen, and what can you do about it?
Let’s break down the top causes of neck pain and explain how chiropractic care can offer long-term relief.
5 Common Causes of Neck Pain and How to Reduce the Pain
1. Poor Posture and “Tech Neck”
Spending hours hunched over your phone or laptop places significant stress on the cervical spine. This forward head posture, often called “tech neck,” can lead to muscle fatigue, joint irritation, and persistent stiffness.
How to fix poor posture to reduce neck pain:
Raise your screen to eye level to avoid tilting your head forward
Use a chair with proper back and neck support
Take micro-breaks every 30 minutes to stretch your neck and upper back
Perform chin tucks, wall angels, and scapular retraction exercises daily
Consider an ergonomic assessment to improve your workstation setup
Chiropractic adjustments can help correct spinal misalignment and retrain your posture over time.
2. Whiplash and Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the neck is rapidly thrust forward and backward, usually during auto accidents. Even low-speed collisions can damage ligaments, discs, and muscles in the neck.
How to recover from whiplash:
Seek chiropractic evaluation immediately, even if symptoms are delayed
Ice the area in the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce inflammation
Gentle mobilization and soft tissue therapy can speed recovery
Follow up with corrective exercises to restore range of motion and strength
Avoid returning to full activity too quickly, gradual return is best
At Head 2 Toe, we provide specialized chiropractic care for auto injuries, often combining adjustments, massage therapy, and rehab.
3. Stress & Muscle Tension
Mental stress frequently shows up in the body as physical tension, especially in the shoulders and neck. Over time, tight muscles can form trigger points, leading to restricted movement and pain that radiates into the head or back.
How to treat stress and muscle tension in the neck:
Practice breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation to reduce stress
Use heat therapy to relax tight muscles
Schedule soft tissue work such as Active Release Technique (ART)
Try gentle yoga or mobility drills focused on the upper back and neck
Stay hydrated and get consistent sleep to support muscle recovery
Chiropractic care can help release built-up tension and rebalance your nervous system.
4. Disc Injuries or Nerve Irritation
A herniated or bulging disc can compress nerves in the cervical spine, causing pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the arms or into the shoulders.
How to treat disc injuries and nerve irritation:
Avoid sudden neck movements and heavy lifting during flare-ups
Chiropractic decompression techniques and mobilizations may relieve pressure
Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the spine
Anti-inflammatory nutrition and hydration can support disc health
Cold laser therapy or electrical stimulation may reduce inflammation and pain
A chiropractor can identify the exact location and severity of disc involvement through physical exams and imaging referrals when needed.
5. Sleep Position or Ergonomics
A poor sleep setup or workstation design can lead to chronic neck strain. Stomach sleeping, in particular, forces the neck into an unnatural twist for hours at a time.
How to fix it:
Switch to sleeping on your back or side with a pillow that supports the neck's natural curve
Use a cervical pillow or memory foam designed for spine alignment
Align your workstation so your screen is at eye level and your arms rest comfortably at 90 degrees
Avoid leaning forward or cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder
Add mobility work into your routine to undo the stiffness from prolonged sitting
Improving your posture at night and during work hours can make a major difference in how your neck feels throughout the day.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Neck Pain
Chiropractors assess and address the root cause of your neck pain—not just the symptoms. At Head 2 Toe Spine & Sports Therapy in Lynnwood, our chiropractic approach includes:
Spinal adjustments to realign the cervical vertebrae
Soft tissue therapies to release muscle tension
Postural corrections and ergonomic coaching
Cold laser therapy and other advanced modalities
Rehab exercises to build long-term stability
This multifaceted approach means you get personalized care that doesn’t rely on medications or temporary fixes.
Local Tip: Why Lynnwood Residents Love Chiropractic
Lynnwood’s active lifestyle, from hiking trails to long commutes, makes it especially important to take care of your spine and nervous system. Chiropractic care offers natural, holistic solutions that fit into your routine and support your long-term health goals.
Looking for a trusted neck pain chiropractor in Lynnwood, WA? Schedule a consultation today »
Quick Tips for Preventing Neck Pain at Home
Adjust your monitor so it’s at eye level
Use a pillow that supports your neck’s natural curve
Take micro-breaks every 30–60 minutes when working at a desk
Practice gentle stretches to improve mobility
Stay active—but be mindful of posture during workouts
Final Thoughts
Neck pain may be common, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic tension, chiropractic care can help you move, sleep, and live better.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our team at Head 2 Toe is here to help.
