Why Does My Neck Hurt?

Karol Dochnal
Aug 12
2 min read

By Karol Dochnal – Sopot Chiropractic

Your neck (cervical spine) balances a 4–5 kg head and protects delicate nerves and blood vessels. It’s built for movement — but also vulnerable. Long hours at a laptop, “tech-neck” from phone use, stress, old sports injuries, or even an unsupportive pillow can overload its tissues.

Neck pain doesn’t always stay in the neck. It can travel between the shoulder blades, down the arm if nerves are irritated, or up into the head and ears (cervicogenic headaches). Globally, neck pain is in the top 10 causes of disability, affecting over 3,500 people per 100,000 at any given time.

Common Causes We See in Clinic

Muscle strain & trigger points – tight, aching knots from overuse or stress.
Facet joint irritation – sharp pain when turning or looking up.
Disc bulge/herniation (radiculopathy) – neck pain with arm tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Cervicogenic headache – pain starting in the neck, referring into the head.
Whiplash injuries – from road accidents or sports tackles.
Postural syndrome / tech-neck – forward head posture from prolonged screen time.
Jaw (TMJ) issues – clenching or grinding alters neck muscle tone.
Shoulder dysfunction – poor mechanics push extra load into the neck.
Upper-thoracic stiffness – a tight mid-back refers pain upward.

Everyday Triggers

Low laptop/phone screens.
Unsupported forearms or poor desk setup.
Sleeping on your stomach or with the wrong pillow height.
Stress and shallow breathing.
Carrying children or heavy bags on one side.
Weak shoulders, tight chest muscles.
Stiff mid-back or under-active core muscles.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Get prompt medical help if you notice:

Sudden severe neck pain or headache with vision, speech, or balance changes.
Recent major trauma (e.g., crash, fall).
Progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
Fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or history of cancer/infection.

How We Help at Sopot Chiropractic

Our approach combines:

Chiropractic adjustments – restore joint motion, calm irritated nerves.
Gentle mobilisation – loosen stiff segments without high force.
Massage & myofascial release – reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Posture coaching & active exercise – build resilience, prevent relapse.
Breathing drills & micro-breaks – address “tension neck” drivers.
Referral for imaging or medical assessment – when needed for safety and accuracy.

Your First Visit

We start with a detailed history and screening to ensure care is safe and appropriate. If treatment is suitable, you’ll leave with both hands-on care and simple at-home strategies.

60-Second Neck Reset

Sit tall with feet flat.
Chin tuck gently (double chin without looking down) – hold 3 seconds, repeat 5×.
Shoulder rolls – 5 forward, 5 back.
Chest opener – clasp hands behind your back, lift gently, take 3 deep breaths.