When Neck Pain Becomes a Real Pain in the Neck
Neck pain isn’t just annoying—it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the U.S., affecting nearly 30% of adults each year. Whether it’s from long hours at a computer, poor posture, a car accident, or just sleeping wrong, neck pain can make even simple movements feel impossible.
At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we see patients every day who have been told to “just rest” or “take pain meds” — yet the problem persists. That’s because most neck pain isn’t simply about muscle soreness; it’s about joint dysfunction, inflammation, and nerve irritation that need a more targeted approach.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain often develops from a combination of mechanical and lifestyle factors. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Poor posture – Especially forward head posture from looking down at phones or screens.
- Muscle tension and strain – Often from stress, repetitive movement, or overuse.
- Joint restriction or misalignment – When the cervical spine joints lose mobility, pain and stiffness increase.
- Whiplash injuries – Common after auto accidents, leading to ligament strain and chronic discomfort.
- Arthritis and disc degeneration – Age-related wear can cause inflammation and nerve irritation.
The good news? Most of these problems respond well to conservative care — and that’s exactly what we do best.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and alignment in the cervical spine. When the joints in your neck move as they should, muscles relax, inflammation decreases, and nerve communication improves.
Dr. Jacob Reesor uses a gentle, evidence-based approach to assess and treat the source of your neck pain. Treatments may include:
- Targeted spinal adjustments to improve movement
- Soft tissue work to reduce tension
- Exercise and posture correction
- Ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can significantly reduce neck pain and improve range of motion compared to standard medical care (JMPT, 2019).
In short — chiropractic care doesn’t just mask pain. It corrects the problem.
Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough for Chronic Neck Pain
For patients with long-standing or muscle-dominant neck pain, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) is a game changer. It works by delivering acoustic pressure waves into tight or inflamed tissues, stimulating increased blood flow and cellular repair.
Shockwave helps:
- Break up adhesions and scar tissue
- Increase oxygenation in muscles and tendons
- Accelerate healing and pain relief
A 2023 study in Frontiers in Neurology found that shockwave therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain, compared to control groups (PMC10406644).
At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technologies to address both surface-level muscle issues and deeper connective tissue dysfunction.
What to Expect at Vector Spine and Sport
When you visit our office, we start with a comprehensive exam and consultation to identify the root cause of your pain. We then create a personalized plan that may include:
✅ Chiropractic adjustments to restore movement
✅ Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing
✅ Deep tissue laser therapy to reduce inflammation
✅ Home care and posture training to prevent recurrence
Our goal is simple — to help you move better, feel better, and live without restriction.
Don’t Let Neck Pain Control Your Life
Neck pain doesn’t have to slow you down or become part of your daily routine. Whether your pain started from an injury, your desk job, or just life’s wear and tear, help is available — and it works.
Call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jacob Reesor and discover how our integrated approach can help you finally find relief.