Skip to content
 
ASCC, Acupuncture Science & Chiropractic Clinic, a division of Hua Health

Neck pain

What can be done for neck pain at a chiropractic clinic?

Neck pain is commonly treated with gentle neck adjustments, traction, and soft tissue work. Dr. Hua also uses acupuncture for neck and upper shoulder tension.

A lot of neck pain comes from long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, sleeping in an awkward position, or a minor strain. Some comes after a car accident.

At your first visit Dr. Hua checks how far you can turn and tilt your head and where the pain shows up. He explains what he finds and what he suggests before doing anything.

If you are not comfortable with neck adjustments, say so. There are other options, including traction, soft tissue work, and acupuncture.

Evidence

What the research says about neck pain

Sources reviewed October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.

Several guidelines and trials support manual care, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, as one option for neck pain, especially when combined with exercise.

  1. 01

    Manipulation compared with medication

    A 2012 randomized trial in the Annals of Internal Medicine followed 272 adults with recent neck pain. Those who had spinal manipulation, or home exercise with advice, had better short and long-term results than those who took medication. [1]

  2. 02

    Guideline support for manual care plus exercise

    A 2016 international guideline (the OPTIMa collaboration) lists manual therapy, exercise, and education as options for neck pain and related problems. [2]

  3. 03

    Chiropractic practice guideline

    A 2014 evidence-based guideline for chiropractors found support for manipulation and mobilization for neck pain, combined with exercise and advice. [3]

Limits of the evidence

Serious problems after neck manipulation are rare. A large 2008 study found people who saw a chiropractor were no more likely to have a certain type of stroke than people who saw a family doctor, which suggests early stroke symptoms bring people to both. Tell Dr. Hua about sudden severe headache, dizziness, or vision changes right away.

Sources

  1. 1.Bronfort G, et al. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012;156(1):1-10.
  2. 2.Côté P, et al. Management of neck pain and associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline from the OPTIMa Collaboration. European Spine Journal. 2016;25(7):2000-2022.
  3. 3.Bryans R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2014;37(1):42-63.
  4. 4.Cassidy JD, et al. Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care. Spine. 2008;33(4 Suppl):S176-S183.

Questions patients ask

Do I have to have my neck adjusted?
No. You can ask for other options. Dr. Hua can use traction, soft tissue work, or acupuncture instead.
When is neck pain an emergency?
Seek emergency care for neck pain after a serious injury, or with sudden severe headache, fever with a stiff neck, or new weakness or numbness in the arms.
Call to Schedule(630) 357-7320