Neck pain can range from a nagging stiffness that never quite goes away to sharp pain that limits how far you can turn your head. It's also one of the most common conditions Dr. Dallas sees, whether it's tied to an old injury, poor posture habits, or something that developed gradually with no clear cause.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can come from a number of sources, including:
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Joint restrictions or fixation in the cervical spine
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Muscle tension from prolonged sitting or screen use
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Poor posture habits built up over time
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Disc related issues affecting the neck
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Old injuries that never fully resolved
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Nerve irritation causing pain, numbness, or tingling into the arm
How Neck Pain Is Evaluated
Every new patient visit starts with a detailed history and physical exam, and objective testing using VALD equipment to measure strength and range of motion against normative data. This gives a clear, measurable picture of what's actually driving your neck pain, rather than treating it as a generic complaint.
How Neck Pain Is Treated
Treatment depends on what the exam reveals, but commonly includes:
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Chiropractic adjustments to restore motion to restricted joints in the cervical spine
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Cox Flexion Distraction, delivered on a Cox 8 table, particularly effective when nerve irritation or radiculopathy is involved
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Corrective exercise and movement coaching, built on SFMA screening, to address posture and movement patterns contributing to the pain
Care is built around the minimum effective dose required to get you results, not a fixed package of visits regardless of how you're progressing.
When Neck Pain Involves Radiculopathy
Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand, sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness, often points to nerve irritation, or cervical radiculopathy. Cox Flexion Distraction is particularly well suited for this type of presentation, gently relieving pressure on the affected disc and nerve.
Headaches and Neck Pain Often Go Together
Many patients dealing with neck pain also experience headaches, since tension and dysfunction in the neck and upper back are common headache triggers. Dr. Dallas's exam takes this connection into account rather than treating the two as unrelated issues.
Common Questions About Neck Pain
How long will it take to feel better?
That depends on what's driving your pain and how long it's been going on. Some patients feel significant relief within the first few visits, while more chronic or complex cases take longer.
What if my pain radiates into my arm or hand?
That's a sign nerve irritation may be involved. Cox Flexion Distraction is often used specifically for this type of presentation.
Is neck adjusting safe?
For most patients, yes. Dr. Dallas's exam is designed to identify whether adjusting is appropriate for your specific situation, and if a gentler approach like Cox Flexion Distraction is a better fit, that's what he'll use.
Do I need to stop working at my desk while I'm being treated?
Not necessarily, but Dr. Dallas may offer guidance on posture and habits that could be contributing to your pain alongside your treatment plan.