Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s from poor posture, stress, an injury, or simply the wear and tear that comes with aging, neck pain can make everyday activities like working, driving, or even sleeping incredibly difficult. While many turn to medication for relief, Dr John Fortuna, a chiropractor with over 20 years of experience, believes that chiropractic care offers a natural, effective solution to alleviate neck pain without relying on drugs or invasive procedures.
“Neck pain can have many causes, but the key to long-term relief is addressing the root cause, not just masking the symptoms,” explains Dr. Fortuna. “Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment to the spine, particularly the cervical spine (neck region), to improve function and promote natural healing.”
The Connection Between Spinal Health and Neck Pain
Your spine is a complex structure that supports your body, protects your spinal cord, and enables movement. The cervical spine, located in your neck, is made up of seven vertebrae that allow for a wide range of motion in the head and neck. When these vertebrae become misaligned due to factors such as poor posture, repetitive strain, or injury, it can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort. This misalignment can also put pressure on the nerves that travel from the spine to other areas of the body, causing referred pain, headaches, or even numbness and tingling.
“When the cervical spine is misaligned, it can create tension in the muscles, ligaments, and nerves, leading to pain and reduced mobility,” says Dr John Fortuna. “The key to healing is restoring the proper alignment to reduce pressure and allow the body to heal naturally.”
How Chiropractic Care Relieves Neck Pain
Chiropractic care is centered around the idea that proper alignment of the spine is essential for optimal health. Dr. Fortuna uses targeted, gentle spinal adjustments to restore the alignment of the cervical spine, reduce muscle tension, and relieve nerve pressure. These adjustments can provide significant relief from neck pain and prevent future discomfort.
- Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments are the cornerstone of chiropractic care. By gently manipulating the vertebrae in the neck, Dr. Fortuna restores their proper alignment. This reduces tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine, relieves nerve compression, and improves blood flow, which promotes healing. Spinal adjustments can reduce the intensity of neck pain and increase range of motion.
- Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, Dr. Fortuna often incorporates soft tissue therapies such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy. These techniques target tight muscles and fascia in the neck, releasing built-up tension and improving muscle flexibility. Soft tissue therapy can provide immediate relief from neck stiffness and discomfort, especially when combined with chiropractic adjustments.
- Postural Correction
Poor posture is one of the leading causes of neck pain. Dr. Fortuna works with patients to identify postural habits that contribute to neck strain, such as forward head posture or slouching. By offering guidance on posture correction and providing exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, chiropractic care helps prevent future neck pain and encourages better alignment throughout the day.
- Exercise and Stretching Recommendations
Dr John Fortuna may also recommend specific stretches and strengthening exercises to support the neck and reduce the risk of injury. These exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and build strength to support the cervical spine. When performed regularly, they can help prevent recurring neck pain and improve overall spinal health.
