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Why Does My Neck Hurt? Top Causes of Neck Pain (And How Chiropractic Can Help)

  • Writer: Dr. Annie Armstrong
    Dr. Annie Armstrong
  • 17 hours ago
  • 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:


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.


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