Chiropractic for treating neck pain

Neck pain is a prevalent condition affecting individuals across various age groups, often leading to significant discomfort and impairment in daily activities. Chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), is a commonly employed treatment modality for managing neck pain. This article explores the effectiveness of chiropractic for treating neck pain, delves into its possible causes, identifies common signs and symptoms, and examines the influence of patient age on treatment outcomes.

Possible Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can arise from a multitude of factors, often related to lifestyle, posture, and underlying medical conditions. One prevalent cause is poor posture, especially associated with prolonged use of electronic devices—a phenomenon termed “tech neck.” This condition results from the repetitive strain of looking down at screens, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort. Additionally, excessive screen time has been linked to the development of a Dowager’s Hump in younger populations, a condition traditionally associated with older adults, characterised by a curvature of the upper spine (News.com.au, 2025).

Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis also contribute significantly to neck pain. Osteoarthritis involves the deterioration of joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. Furthermore, inflammatory conditions like axial spondyloarthritis can cause chronic inflammation in the spine and pelvis, resulting in stiffness and pain, and increasing the risk of spinal fractures (Klein, 2025).

Common Signs and Symptoms

The manifestations of neck pain can vary but commonly include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Aching or sharp pain localised in the neck, often accompanied by stiffness, making it difficult to move the head.
• Radiating Pain: Discomfort that extends to the shoulders, arms, or upper back, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations.
• Headaches: Tension headaches originating from neck muscles.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in turning or bending the neck due to pain and stiffness.

In cases where neck pain is associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain unresponsive to standard treatments, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Effectiveness of Chiropractic for treating neck pain

Chiropractic care, particularly through spinal manipulation, has been extensively studied for its role in managing neck pain. A comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Pain Research evaluated the clinical effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation for spine pain, including neck pain. The study concluded that SMT is as effective as other recommended therapies, such as standard medical care or physical therapy, for managing non-specific and chronic spine pain. The authors noted that current clinical practice guidelines almost universally recommend the use of SMT for spine pain, suggesting its viability as a treatment option for neck pain (Gevers-Montoro et al., 2021).

Another study focused on the short-term effects of chiropractic interventions on chronic pain management. The research indicated that integrative medicine approaches, including osteopathic and spinal manipulation, are primarily used to treat musculoskeletal pain resulting from conditions like worn-out joints and torn ligaments. The study found that these therapies offer short-term benefits for chronic pain relief, typically lasting three to five months. This suggests that while chiropractic care can provide immediate relief, ongoing treatment may be necessary to maintain pain reduction (Trivedi et al., 2022).

Impact of Age on Chiropractic Treatment Outcomes

Age can influence both the prevalence of neck pain and the outcomes of chiropractic treatment. A study investigating chiropractic care in older adults with neck pain found that chiropractors often employ well-established manual and physical therapy techniques tailored to this demographic. The findings suggested that older patients might frequently integrate chiropractic care with other health services to manage their neck pain effectively. The study highlighted the potential role of non-pharmacological, multimodal therapeutic approaches in managing neck pain among older adults (Vindigni et al., 2019).

Conversely, younger individuals are increasingly experiencing neck pain related to lifestyle factors, such as prolonged screen time leading to posture-related issues. Chiropractic interventions focusing on posture correction and ergonomic education are particularly beneficial in this population, addressing the root causes of pain and preventing future occurrences.

Conclusion

Chiropractic for treating neck pain, especially spinal manipulation therapy, presents a viable and effective option across different age groups. Its efficacy is comparable to traditional medical and physical therapy approaches, offering short-term relief and contributing to improved quality of life. However, the underlying causes of neck pain, which range from poor posture to degenerative and inflammatory conditions, must be accurately identified to tailor appropriate treatment strategies. Age-related factors significantly influence both the prevalence of neck pain and the outcomes of chiropractic interventions, necessitating age-specific approaches in management. As with any medical treatment, it is essential for patients to consult with healthcare providers to develop personalised care plans that address their unique needs and health profiles.

For further information, speak to Richie Sanchez (Chiropractor) at New Farm Chiropractic 07 3254 3011 or book an appointment online (Click here).

References

1. News.com.au (2025). The ‘old-lady issue’ now hitting those in their 20s and 30s — here’s the unexpected culprit. [online] New York Post. Available at: https://nypost.com/2025/02/19/lifestyle/the-old-lady-issue-now-hitting-those-in-their-20s-and-30s/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
2. Klein, S. (2025). Axial Spondyloarthritis Spinal Fractures: How to Protect Your Bones. [online] SELF. Available at: https://www.self.com/story/axial-spondyloarthritis-spinal-fracture?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
3. Gevers-Montoro, C., Provencher, B., Descarreaux, M., Ortega de Mues, A. and Piché, M. (2021). Clinical Effectiveness and Efficacy of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Spine Pain. Frontiers in Pain Research, 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.765921.
4. Trivedi, H., Avrit, T.A., Chan, L., Burchette, D.M. and Rathore, R. (2022). The Benefits of Integrative Medicine in the Management of Chronic Pain: A Review. Cureus, 14(10). doi: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29963.
5. Vindigni, D., Zark, L., Sundberg, T., Leach, M., Adams, J. and Azari, M.F. (2019). Chiropractic treatment of older adults with neck pain with or without headache or dizziness: analysis of 288 Australian chiropractors’ self-reported views. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 27(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-019-0288-1.