Chiropractic and Neck Pain

Neck pain is a widespread issue that affects a significant portion of the population, often interfering with daily life and overall well-being. Causes range from poor posture and repetitive stress to trauma such as whiplash or surgical complications. While conventional treatments include medication, physical therapy, or even surgery, many individuals seek non-invasive and drug-free options for relief—and chiropractic care has become a leading choice in this realm.

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Doctors of Chiropractic assess spinal alignment and mobility, applying precise adjustments or mobilizations to restore function and reduce interference to the nervous system. The goal is not only to alleviate pain but also to improve the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself.

The body of research compiled in this document demonstrates the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a wide range of neck-related conditions. Studies show that spinal adjustments can increase pain thresholds, reduce inflammation, improve neurological function, and even contribute to the healing of disc herniations. From chronic post-surgical pain to acute injuries like whiplash, patients have experienced significant improvements—often when other interventions failed.

Moreover, some studies suggest chiropractic adjustments can affect systemic physiology, such as sympathetic nervous system activity and even brain blood flow. This highlights the broader impact chiropractic care can have beyond musculoskeletal relief.

Together, these findings suggest that chiropractic is not only safe and effective for many types of neck pain but also holds potential for enhancing neurological function and quality of life. For those seeking lasting relief without relying on drugs or invasive procedures, chiropractic care offers a natural and research-supported path forward.

Chiropractic Mobilization Reduces Neck Pain and Influences Nervous System Activity

This study aimed to explore both the pain-relieving effects of cervical spinal mobilization and its impact on the sympathetic nervous system. Thirty patients with middle or lower neck pain underwent spinal mobilization. Researchers found that after treatment, pain thresholds significantly increased, indicating a hypoalgesic (pain-reducing) effect. Additionally, the technique stimulated the sympathetic nervous system, demonstrated by increased skin conductance and decreased skin temperature. These findings suggest that cervical mobilization not only eases neck pain but also has measurable systemic physiological effects.
Source: Sterling M, Jull G, Wright A. Man Ther. 2001;6(2):72-81.

Post-Surgical Chronic Neck Pain Resolved with Chiropractic Care

This case study focused on a 35-year-old woman who suffered from chronic neck pain following two separate neck surgeries (C3/4 discectomy and C5/6 fusion). Despite the procedures, her pain persisted for over five years. Faced with the recommendation of a third surgery, she sought chiropractic care instead. Within 30 days of receiving mechanical-force manually assisted chiropractic adjustments, her pain and muscle spasms fully resolved. At a two-year follow-up, she remained symptom-free. The results suggest chiropractic care can be a successful alternative for post-surgical chronic neck pain.
Source: Polkinghorn B, Colloca CJ. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001;24(9).

Chiropractic More Effective Than NSAIDs or Acupuncture for Chronic Spine Pain

This clinical pilot trial compared the effectiveness of spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and NSAIDs in managing chronic spinal pain. Seventy-seven patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the three treatments and were evaluated after 30 days. Only the chiropractic group showed statistically significant improvement in outcomes, including a 30.7% reduction in Oswestry scores and a 33% reduction in neck disability scores. Acupuncture and NSAID treatment showed no comparable improvement. These findings suggest chiropractic care may be a more effective non-pharmacological intervention for spinal pain.
Source: Giles LG, Muller R. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999;22(6):376-81.

Spinal Adjustments Found Superior for Chronic Neck Pain Relief

This review analyzed multiple clinical studies to determine the effectiveness of cervical spinal manipulation and mobilization for neck pain. After examining randomized controlled trials and systematic data, the authors concluded that chiropractic spinal adjustments are more effective than conventional approaches, such as muscle relaxants and other medical treatments. These findings support the use of chiropractic care as a primary intervention for managing chronic neck pain.
Source: Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, et al. Spine. 1996;21(15):1746-1760.

Herniated Disc and Cervical Radiculopathy Resolved with Chiropractic

This case study examined a 60-year-old woman suffering from a herniated cervical disc, confirmed by MRI, with symptoms including burning arm pain, severe neck and shoulder pain, and numbness. She received chiropractic adjustments over five months. By the end of care, her pain and numbness resolved, and her grip strength returned to normal. This case illustrates the potential of chiropractic care in resolving symptoms linked to cervical disc herniation and nerve compression.
Source: Brouillette DL, Gurske DT. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994;17(2):119-123.

C5 Nerve Root Compression Successfully Treated with Meric Technique

This case involved a 69-year-old male experiencing nerve root compression at the C5 vertebra. The patient presented with symptoms such as toothache-like pain in the left shoulder area, reduced biceps reflex, decreased pinprick sensation, and muscle weakness. Chiropractic care using the Meric technique was administered over 26 days with eight visits. The patient experienced complete symptom resolution and remained pain-free at a four-month follow-up. The study showcases how targeted chiropractic techniques can address specific neurological deficits related to disc and nerve issues.
Source: Gemmell HA. Chiropractic Technique. 1994;6(1):14-16.

Whiplash Symptoms Can Last for Decades

This long-term study followed 40 individuals who had sustained whiplash injuries, evaluating them an average of 15.5 years after the incident. Researchers assessed symptoms including neck pain, back pain, headaches, dizziness, and psychological issues. They found that a significant number of patients continued to experience these symptoms even after a decade. Only 18% improved substantially over the years, while 28% saw deterioration. The study highlights the chronic nature of whiplash injuries and the importance of long-term management strategies.
Source: Squires B, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1996;70B:955-57.

Whiplash Can Alter Brain Blood Flow

This study used advanced imaging (SPECT scans) to investigate brain perfusion in patients with late-stage whiplash syndrome. The researchers found that individuals suffering from post-whiplash cognitive disturbances had reduced blood flow to the parieto-occipital regions of the brain, a pattern not seen in healthy controls. These findings suggest a possible link between upper cervical spine injury and altered brain blood supply, potentially explaining visual, auditory, and cognitive symptoms seen in chronic whiplash cases.
Source: Otte A, Mueller-Brand J, Fierz L. Lancet. 1995;345:1512-13.

Chiropractic Superior to Muscle Relaxants and Acupuncture for Neck Pain

This systematic review analyzed studies from 1966 to 1996 to assess the effectiveness of cervical spine manipulation for neck pain and headaches. Randomized controlled trials and outcome data were evaluated. Chiropractic spinal adjustments were found to be more effective than muscle relaxants, standard medical treatments, and acupuncture for managing chronic neck pain and associated headaches. The findings advocate for chiropractic care as a front-line treatment option.
Source: Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, et al. Spine. 1996;21:1746-60.

MRI-Documented Herniated Disc Shrinks After Chiropractic Care

A 39-year-old cable technician presented with right-sided neck and arm pain linked to a C5-C6 disc herniation, confirmed by MRI and other diagnostic tools. Following 13 chiropractic visits, he became symptom-free. A comparative MRI revealed a reduction in the size of the disc herniation. This case demonstrates how chiropractic care may assist in both symptom resolution and anatomical improvements in disc herniation cases.
Source: Siciliano MA, Bernard TA, Bentley NJ. J Chiropr Res Clin Invest. 1992;8(1).

Atlas Orthogonal Technique Resolves Cervical Disc Herniation

This case study documented the progress of a 44-year-old man with severe neck and arm pain, numbness, reduced grip strength, and MRI-confirmed herniation at C6-7. After undergoing chiropractic care using the atlas orthogonal technique, his symptoms began resolving by the fifth week. Continued improvement was seen over six months, and a follow-up MRI at 14 months showed complete resolution of the disc herniation. This suggests that upper cervical chiropractic techniques may aid in both neurological recovery and disc healing.
Source: Robinson K. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1998;5(1).