At some point in our lives, each of us will most likely experience some type of neck pain and/or whiplash. However, certain people may be predisposed to acute and chronic neck pain due to their occupation. Employees who perform repetitive tasks, sit for prolonged periods of time and use their upper extremities are at a greater risk of developing neck pain.

The neck is one of the most flexible—and delicate—parts of the body. Throughout the day, many of us put stress on our neck without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this can result in a literal “pain in the neck,” causing stiffness, pain and limited movement in the neck and even the shoulders and arms.

If you suffer from neck pain, whether it is occasional or chronic, Gonstead Chiropractic may just provide the relief you need.

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What is behind that pain in the neck?

Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including wear-and-tear, strains or sprains, or inflammation. A few of the most common culprits include:

• Bad posture: Bending or hunching forward for prolonged periods can cause strains (overstretched muscles), sprains (injuries to ligaments) or other problems. This can happen at work when sitting in front of the computer, during long drives, when reading in bed or even talking on the phone. Sleeping in an awkward position is another common cause.

• Injuries, trauma and motor vehicle accidents: This is a major cause of acute neck pain and whiplash. Common injuries include falls, sports-related injuries, direct trauma and auto accidents.

• Medical conditions: Conditions such as arthritis can cause chronic pain and stiffness. Herniated disks in the neck can also cause pain, as can illnesses like the flu. Jaw injuries or conditions may also cause neck pain.

• Stress: Being stressed or anxious can cause tension in the muscles of your neck, shoulders and back. 

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How Gonstead Chiropractic can help?

Gonstead Chiropractic can be highly effective in addressing neck pain because it is a precise, biomechanically focused approach that identifies and corrects the exact spinal segments causing dysfunction rather than applying generalized manipulation. Through detailed analysis—including posture evaluation, palpation, motion testing, and often full-spine X-rays—a Gonstead chiropractor determines whether specific cervical vertebrae are misaligned or moving improperly, which can place abnormal stress on joints, muscles, and surrounding nerves. By delivering targeted, gentle adjustments to only the affected vertebrae, Gonstead care helps restore normal joint motion, reduce nerve irritation, and improve spinal alignment, allowing muscles to relax and inflammation to decrease. This precision-based method minimizes unnecessary force to the neck, making it especially beneficial for patients experiencing stiffness, headaches, radiating pain, or reduced range of motion. Over time, correcting these structural imbalances can support better posture, improved function of the nervous system, and long-term relief from neck pain rather than just temporary symptom management.

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Gonstead Chiropractic is safe, natural and has no side effects—unlike many of the medications often used to treat pain.

Gonstead Chiropractic is widely regarded as a safe and conservative approach to spinal care because it emphasizes precision, thorough assessment, and minimal force rather than generalized or repetitive manipulation. Each adjustment is based on detailed findings from posture analysis, motion testing, palpation, and, when appropriate, imaging, ensuring that only the specific vertebrae requiring correction are adjusted. This targeted method reduces stress on surrounding joints and soft tissues, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or over-adjustment. Most patients experience little to no side effects, with any post-adjustment soreness typically mild and temporary, similar to what one might feel after exercise. Because Gonstead care avoids unnecessary twisting and focuses on restoring proper joint function and nerve communication, it is considered a low-risk option for managing spinal issues and supporting overall musculoskeletal health.

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