Neck Pain Treatment: Why It Won't Go Away on Its Own

You can't look down at your phone without wincing. Turning your head to talk to someone next to you sends a sharp reminder through your shoulders. Your neck is holding you hostage.

If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Nearly one in three adults experiences neck pain each year, and that number is climbing. As a chiropractor serving Lakeview and the greater Chicago area, I see neck pain every single day—and honestly, it's getting worse. Between our phones, our laptops, our stress levels, and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, our necks are under more strain than ever before.

The good news? Neck pain is highly treatable when you address the root cause rather than just masking symptoms with medication. By the end of this article, you'll understand what's causing your neck pain, why it's not going away on its own, and what evidence-based treatments can actually help you move freely again.

Neck pain doesn't have to become your frenemy. Real solutions for real pain exist at Nord Ro Clinic.

Why Neck Pain Has Become an Epidemic

Let's talk about what's changed. Thirty years ago, chiropractors saw neck pain primarily from car accidents, sports injuries, or age-related degeneration. Today? The average patient is younger, and the culprit is often sitting right in their pocket.

Forward head posture—the position your head naturally falls into when looking at a screen—has created a public health crisis. Here's why this matters: Your head weighs about 10-12 pounds when properly aligned over your spine. But for every inch your head moves forward, you add approximately 10 pounds of extra force on your neck muscles and cervical spine.

If you're looking at your phone right now with your head tilted down 60 degrees, your neck is supporting the equivalent of 60 pounds. Imagine carrying a 60-pound weight around all day. That's what your neck is doing.

Add to this the remote work boom after COVID that transformed kitchen tables into makeshift offices, the stress we hold chronically in our shoulders, and you have a perfect storm for chronic neck pain.

As a chiropractor serving Lakeview and the greater Chicago area, I see the impact of our urban lifestyle on neck health daily. From CTA commuters hunched over phones at the Belmont Stop, remote workers at home offices, to service industry workers and healthcare professionals constantly looking down—Chicago's neck pain epidemic crosses all demographics and neighborhoods from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park.

But here's what I want you to understand: This isn't "just getting old." This is a mechanical problem with mechanical solutions.

What's Actually Causing Your Neck Pain?

Neck pain isn't one-size-fits-all. Understanding what's happening in your specific case is the first step toward effective treatment. Let me walk you through the most common causes I see in my practice.

1. Mechanical Neck Pain (The Most Common Culprit)

This is the bread and butter of what chiropractors treat, and it responds incredibly well to care. Mechanical neck pain comes from:

• Facet joint dysfunction: The small joints on the back of your vertebrae get stuck or irritated, causing localized pain and restricted movement

• Muscle strain and spasm: Your neck muscles (particularly the upper traps, levator scapulae, and suboccipitals) get overworked, tight, and angry

• Loss of normal cervical curve: Your neck should have a gentle C-curve. Prolonged forward head posture can flatten or even reverse this curve, changing how forces distribute through your spine

• Poor posture: Whether from desk work, phone use, or just habits developed over years, poor posture creates chronic strain

The hallmark of mechanical neck pain is that it's usually position-dependent. It's worse with certain movements, better with others. You might feel stiff in the morning, find relief with movement throughout the day, then feel it creeping back by evening.

2. Cervical Disc Issues

Your cervical spine has six intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. When these discs bulge or herniate, they can:

• Press on nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates down your arm

• Create numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand

• Cause pain that's often worse with certain neck positions (especially looking down)

• Be confused with shoulder problems since the pain can radiate to that area

Here's what's important to know: Most disc issues do not require surgery. Conservative care—including chiropractic, acupuncture, and targeted rehabilitation—is the first-line treatment recommended by major medical guidelines, and it works for the vast majority of people.

3. Whiplash and Old Injuries

Even if your car accident was years ago, even if it seemed "minor" at the time, whiplash can create lingering effects that show up as chronic neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

What happens during whiplash is that your head gets thrown beyond its normal range of motion, creating microscopic tears in ligaments, muscles, and joint capsules. As these heal, scar tissue forms. This scar tissue is less flexible than normal tissue, creating areas of restriction that your body has to compensate around.

I've worked with patients who didn't connect their current neck pain to a fender bender three years ago until we traced the history together. Old injuries matter, and they're treatable.

4. Muscle Tension and Trigger Points

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in tight muscle bands that refer pain to other areas. In the neck, the most common culprits are:

• Upper trapezius: Creates that classic "coat hanger" pain pattern across your shoulders

• Levator scapulae: Causes pain at the angle of your neck when you turn your head

• Suboccipital muscles: Tight muscles at the base of your skull that often cause tension headaches

These trigger points are often stress-related. When you're anxious or overwhelmed, you unconsciously tense your shoulders and neck. Over time, this creates chronic muscle tension that doesn't release on its own, even when the stressor is gone.

5. Cervical Stenosis

This is more common as we age, though younger people can experience it too. Stenosis means narrowing—in this case, narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit the spine. This can create:

• Arm pain, numbness, or weakness (usually in both arms)

• Pain that's worse with certain positions

• Difficulty with fine motor tasks

• Balance issues in severe cases

While stenosis is often considered an "age-related" condition, conservative care is still the first and best choice for most people. Surgery is reserved for cases with significant neurological compromise that doesn't respond to other treatment.

6. Tech Neck / Text Neck

This deserves its own category because it's reaching epidemic levels, especially in younger patients. Tech neck is a repetitive strain injury caused by prolonged forward head posture while using devices.

The good news? This is reversible. With the right intervention—addressing the mechanical dysfunction, strengthening the right muscles, and modifying habits—you can restore normal function and eliminate pain.

Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Care Immediately

While most neck pain responds beautifully to conservative care, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Progressive arm weakness or numbness in both hands

• Difficulty with balance or walking

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Neck pain after significant trauma

• Severe headache with neck stiffness and fever

• Symptoms that progressively worsen despite treatment

If you're experiencing any of these, head to your doctor or ER first. Once serious conditions are ruled out, we're here to help with the rehabilitation process.

The Real Cost of Ignoring Neck Pain

"I'll just wait it out and see if it gets better."

I hear this constantly, and I understand the impulse. Nobody wants to be "that person" who complains about every ache and pain. Plus, neck pain often comes and goes, creating the illusion that it's resolving on its own.

But here's what actually happens when you ignore chronic neck pain:

It gets worse. That restricted joint doesn't suddenly free itself up. Those tight muscles don't spontaneously release. The compensation patterns your body creates to work around the problem put stress on other areas, spreading the dysfunction.

Your quality of life deteriorates. Sleep becomes disrupted because you can't find a comfortable position. Headaches become more frequent. You avoid activities you enjoy because you know they'll trigger pain. You're more irritable because chronic pain is exhausting.

Other areas start hurting. Your body is brilliant at compensation—until it isn't. When your neck doesn't move properly, your upper back takes on extra work. Your shoulders get tighter. Your jaw might start clicking. The mid-back pain that develops six months later? It's connected.

Simple tasks become difficult. Driving becomes stressful because checking blind spots hurts. Working at a computer all day becomes a grind. Playing with your kids or pets is limited by what your neck will tolerate.

The problem becomes chronic. Acute pain (lasting less than 3 months) is much easier to treat than chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months). Once pain becomes chronic, your nervous system can develop a "memory" of the pain that makes it more persistent and harder to resolve.

I'm not trying to scare you—I'm trying to save you from months or years of unnecessary suffering. The earlier you address neck pain with appropriate treatment, the better your outcomes.

How Chiropractic Care Treats Neck Pain

Let me walk you through what actually happens when you come to Nord Ro for neck pain, because I know the idea of someone "adjusting" your neck can feel intimidating.

Comprehensive Assessment: We Start by Listening

Before I touch your neck, we talk. I want to know:

• When did the pain start? What were you doing?

• What makes it better? What makes it worse?

• Is the pain constant or intermittent?

• Do you have any arm symptoms—numbness, tingling, weakness?

• What's your work setup like? Sleep position? Stress level?

• Have you had previous injuries or treatments?

This conversation gives me crucial information about what's driving your pain. Then we move to the physical exam:

Range of Motion Testing: I'll ask you to move your neck in different directions—flexion, extension, rotation, side bending. This shows me where you're restricted and reproduces your symptoms in a controlled way.

Orthopedic Examination: Specific tests help differentiate between different types of neck problems. For example, Spurling's test can indicate if a nerve is being compressed, while the shoulder abduction relief test can help confirm it.

Neurological Screening: I'm checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to make sure your nervous system is functioning properly.

Postural Analysis: How you stand and sit tells me a story. Forward head posture? Rounded shoulders? One shoulder higher than the other? These patterns inform treatment.

Palpation: This is where I use my hands to feel the tissues—checking for restrictions in joint motion, muscle tension, trigger points, and areas of inflammation.

By the end of this assessment, I should have a clear picture of what's causing your pain and the best approach to address it.

Treatment Approaches: Personalized to Your Needs

1. Cervical Adjustments

This is what most people think of when they hear "chiropractor," and it's incredibly effective for neck pain—but it doesn't have to look like what you've seen in viral videos.

At Nord Ro, I use gentle, specific techniques that restore proper joint motion without forceful manipulation. Here's what I want you to know:

• We talk before we do anything. I'll explain exactly what I'm going to do and get your consent.

• You're in control. If something doesn't feel right, we stop. Period.

• We have options. Some people prefer traditional manual adjustments; others prefer instrument-assisted techniques that use a small tool to deliver precise, gentle adjustments. Both work.

• The goal is motion, not sound. That "popping" sound is just gas bubbles releasing from the joint—it's not necessary for the adjustment to be effective.

What adjustments do is restore proper movement to restricted joints in your cervical spine. When joints move properly, they don't irritate nearby nerves, muscles can relax, and your body can function the way it's designed to.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles often perpetuate neck pain even after joint dysfunction is addressed. That's why soft tissue work is such an important part of treatment:

• Myofascial release: Gentle, sustained pressure that releases restrictions in the fascia (the connective tissue wrapping your muscles)

• Trigger point therapy: Direct pressure on those hyperirritable spots that refer pain, helping them release

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: Using specialized tools to break up adhesions and scar tissue

• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques that release chronic muscle tension and improve tissue quality

Many patients tell me the soft tissue work is their favorite part of treatment. It addresses that deep, achy muscle tension that nothing else seems to touch.

3. Rehabilitation Exercises

Here's a truth most chiropractors won't tell you: Adjustments alone aren't enough for lasting change. You need to retrain the muscles that have been compensating and strengthen the ones that have been underused.

I'll teach you specific exercises including:

• Deep neck flexor strengthening: These muscles support proper head position and are often weak in people with chronic neck pain

• Scapular stabilization exercises: Your shoulder blade position affects your neck mechanics

• Postural correction drills: Training your body to maintain better alignment

• Stretches for chronically tight muscles: Upper traps, levator scapulae, pecs

These aren't complicated gym workouts—they're simple, targeted exercises you can do at home in 5-10 minutes a day. And they make the difference between temporary relief and lasting change.

4. Lifestyle Modification and Education

The most powerful treatment I can offer is education. When you understand what's causing your pain and how to prevent it, you become the expert on your own body.

We'll talk about:

• Ergonomic setup for your workspace (and I mean actually looking at photos of your desk if needed)

• Sleep positions and pillow recommendations specific to your needs

• Stress management techniques, because yes, stress absolutely affects your neck

• Movement habits throughout your day

• Self-care strategies you can use when symptoms flare

What Makes Nord Ro Different

I need to be honest with you: Not all chiropractors practice the same way. Some still use aggressive techniques that can feel scary. Some use high-pressure sales tactics to lock you into expensive care packages. Some don't actually listen to what you need.

At Nord Ro, we do things differently:

We don't use forceful techniques. Period. I use evidence-based approaches that are gentle, specific, and effective. If a technique doesn't feel right to you, we find an alternative.

We take a trauma-informed approach. This is especially important for neck work. For many people, having someone's hands on their neck can feel vulnerable or triggering. I understand this, I move slowly, and I check in constantly. Your comfort and safety are non-negotiable.

We communicate clearly. Before I adjust you, I'll explain what I'm going to do. You'll never be surprised by what happens on the table.

You're in control of your care. I'll give you my recommendations, but ultimately, you decide what treatment looks like. No guilt, no pressure, no manipulation.

We combine modalities for the best results. Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, lifestyle medicine—we use what works for your specific situation rather than forcing everything into one approach.

What Research Shows

I'm not asking you to take my word for it. Here's what the scientific literature tells us about chiropractic care for neck pain:

• Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that spinal manipulation is effective for both acute and chronic neck pain

• Chiropractic care provides superior long-term outcomes compared to medication

• Patients receiving chiropractic care report higher satisfaction and better functional improvement

• Chiropractic reduces the need for pain medication and more invasive interventions

• Manual therapy combined with exercise produces better outcomes than either alone

The American College of Physicians, the North American Spine Society, and other major medical organizations now recommend conservative care—including chiropractic—as the first-line treatment for neck pain before considering medication or surgery.

This isn't alternative medicine. It's evidence-based, mainstream healthcare that should be your first stop, not your last resort.

📊 NECK PAIN BY THE NUMBERS

- 1 in 3 adults experience neck pain annually

- 60 lbs of pressure when looking down at your phone

- 50-70% increase in tech neck cases since 2020

- 2-4 weeks typical recovery for acute pain with treatment

- 6-12 weeks for chronic pain resolution

Acupuncture for Neck Pain: A Powerful Partner

One of the things that makes Nord Ro unique is that we offer both chiropractic and acupuncture under one roof. For neck pain, this combination is incredibly powerful.

How Acupuncture Helps Neck Pain

Acupuncture works through multiple mechanisms:

It reduces muscle spasm. Those chronically tight upper traps? Acupuncture can release them in ways that manual therapy sometimes can't.

It has anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows acupuncture modulates inflammatory markers and can reduce swelling around irritated tissues.

It releases trigger points. Needling directly into trigger points (sometimes called "dry needling" though the technique comes from traditional acupuncture) can provide immediate relief.

It calms the nervous system. Chronic pain creates a hypervigilant nervous system. Acupuncture helps shift you out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest mode, which is where healing happens.

It addresses chronic pain patterns. For people with long-standing neck pain, acupuncture can help "reset" pain signals and break the cycle.

Common Acupuncture Points for Neck Pain

While every treatment is individualized, here are some points I frequently use:

• GB20 (Fengchi): Located at the base of the skull, this point is incredible for neck tension, headaches, and upper back pain

• GB21 (Jianjing): On the upper trapezius muscle—releases shoulder and neck tension

• SI3 (Houxi): A distal point on the hand that influences the cervical spine and improves neck mobility

• LI4 (Hegu): Between thumb and index finger, this is a powerful point for pain relief anywhere in the body (note: we avoid this point during pregnancy)

• Local ah shi points: These are tender spots where you actually hurt—we needle directly into the tissue to release it

The Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese medicine, we look at neck pain through different patterns:

Neck pain from Cold/Damp invasion: This type feels better with heat, worse with cold weather, and tends to be stiff and achy. We use warming techniques and herbs to dispel the cold.

Qi and Blood stagnation: This is injury-related pain where circulation has been disrupted. Treatment focuses on moving Qi and Blood through the area to restore flow.

Kidney deficiency: Chronic, weak-feeling neck pain often has a Kidney deficiency component in Chinese medicine. We strengthen the underlying constitution while addressing local pain.

Liver Qi stagnation: Stress-related neck tension often falls into this category. The Liver in Chinese medicine governs the smooth flow of Qi, and when we're stressed, Liver Qi gets "stuck," showing up as tension in the neck and shoulders.

Understanding these patterns helps me treat not just your symptoms but the underlying imbalance creating them.

Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic

Here's where it gets really interesting: These two modalities work synergistically.

Many patients prefer to start their session with acupuncture. The needles relax tight muscles, calm the nervous system, and prepare the tissues for adjustment. Then, when I perform chiropractic techniques, the adjustment is more effective and more comfortable because the muscles aren't fighting against it.

Other patients prefer acupuncture after their adjustment to help the tissues integrate the changes and prevent muscles from tightening back up.

There's no single "right" way—we figure out what works best for your body.

Addressing the Root Cause: Posture and Ergonomics

We can adjust your neck and needle your trigger points all day, but if you're spending 8 hours hunched over a laptop, we're just putting out fires. Let's address the root cause.

The Posture Problem

Forward head posture doesn't happen overnight. It develops slowly as you adapt to your environment—your desk setup, your phone use, your stress levels, your breathing patterns (yes, really).

Here's what I typically see in the assessment:

• Forward head position: Your head sits in front of your body rather than stacked over it

• Loss of cervical curve: That natural C-curve has flattened or even reversed

• Rounded shoulders: Your shoulders roll forward and up

• Upper crossed syndrome: A predictable pattern where certain muscles get tight (upper traps, levator scapulae, pecs) while others get weak (deep neck flexors, lower traps, serratus anterior)

The good news? This is correctable. It takes consistent effort, but bodies are remarkably adaptive. If you can train yourself into poor posture, you can train yourself out of it.

Ergonomic Fixes for Chicago Workers

Let's get practical. Here's what you actually need to change:

Desk Setup (The Non-Negotiables)

Monitor height: The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level. If you're using a laptop, get a stand and external keyboard—this one change is a game-changer.

Keyboard and mouse position: Keep them close enough that your elbows can stay at 90 degrees at your sides. Don't reach forward.

Chair: Your feet should rest flat on the floor (or on a footrest), your thighs parallel to the ground, and lumbar support should maintain the natural curve of your lower back. If your dining chair doesn't do this, you need a different solution.

Desk height: Your forearms should be parallel to the ground when typing. Too low and you'll round your shoulders; too high and you'll shrug.

For Remote Workers (I See You)

Your kitchen table isn't a desk, and your couch definitely isn't an office. I know that working from home can mean working from anywhere, but your neck is paying the price.

Minimum viable workspace:

• Laptop stand ($20-50)

• External keyboard and mouse ($30-60)

• Decent chair with back support

• Good lighting so you're not craning forward to see

Boundaries matter: Create a dedicated workspace if at all possible. When your whole apartment is your office, you never fully disconnect, which means chronic muscle tension from never fully relaxing.

Phone Use (The Silent Killer)

I see this pattern constantly: someone's neck pain correlates perfectly with increased screen time.

Bring the phone to eye level. Not your head to the phone.

Limit screen time. I know, I know—easier said than done. But if you're spending 4+ hours a day on your phone, your neck pain is not a mystery.

Take breaks. Every 20-30 minutes, look up, look around, move your neck through its full range of motion.

Consider what you're doing. Scrolling social media for an hour with your neck bent? That's a choice. An important text conversation? Probably worth the momentary strain. Develop awareness around your patterns.

Sleep Environment

You spend a third of your life sleeping. If your pillow is wrong, you're spending 2,500+ hours a year in a position that aggravates your neck.

Pillow recommendations:

• Side sleepers: You need a thicker pillow that fills the space between your shoulder and head, keeping your neck neutral

• Back sleepers: A thinner pillow that supports the natural curve without pushing your head too far forward

• Stomach sleepers: Honestly, try to stop. This position torques your neck for hours. If you can't stop, use the thinnest pillow possible or no pillow at all

Mattress: Your mattress should support your spine without being so soft you sink in or so firm you can't relax. If your mattress is over 7-8 years old and sagging, it's time.

Sleep position: Side-lying with a pillow between your knees is ideal for most people with neck or back pain. Keeps your spine aligned from head to pelvis.

Movement Throughout the Day

The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This breaks up the sustained forward head posture and gives your eye muscles (and neck) a break.

Desk stretches (my favorites):

• Chin tucks: Gently pull your chin straight back, creating a double chin. Hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times.

• Shoulder blade squeezes: Pull your shoulder blades together and down, hold 5 seconds, release. Repeat 10 times.

• Neck rotations: Slowly turn your head side to side through your comfortable range of motion.

• Upper trap stretch: Tilt your head to one side, gently pull with your hand if comfortable. Hold 20-30 seconds each side.

Why sitting less matters: Our bodies are designed for frequent movement, not sustained postures. Even with perfect ergonomics, sitting for hours is problematic. Stand up, walk around, change positions. Your neck will thank you.

Self-Care for Neck Pain: What You Can Do Right Now

You don't have to wait for an appointment to start feeling better. Here's what helps (and what to avoid).

What Helps

Ice for acute injury (first 48-72 hours): If you just strained your neck—maybe you slept wrong or pulled a muscle—ice can reduce inflammation. Apply for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.

Heat for chronic tension: For ongoing neck stiffness and muscle tightness, heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscles. A heating pad, warm shower, or even a rice sock heated in the microwave can help.

Gentle range of motion exercises: Slowly moving your neck through its full range of motion—even when it's uncomfortable—prevents stiffness from setting in. Go slowly, breathe, and don't force it past pain.

Chin tucks: This is the single most effective exercise for correcting forward head posture and strengthening deep neck flexors. Here's how:

• Sit or stand with good posture

• Keep your eyes level (don't look down)

• Gently pull your chin straight back, like you're making a double chin

• You should feel a gentle stretch at the base of your skull

• Hold 5 seconds, release

• Repeat 10 times, several times a day

Upper trap stretches:

• Sit or stand upright

• Reach your right arm down toward the floor

• Gently tilt your head to the left, bringing your left ear toward your left shoulder

• For a deeper stretch, gently place your left hand on your head and add light pressure

• Hold 20-30 seconds

• Repeat on the other side

• Do this 3-4 times per day, especially if you feel tightness creeping in

Self-massage (with guidance): Gentle self-massage of the upper traps, neck muscles, and base of the skull can provide relief. Use your fingertips with moderate pressure—not so light it tickles, not so hard it bruises. Trigger point balls or foam rollers can also help, but be careful not to press directly on the front or side of your neck where blood vessels and your airway are.

What to Avoid

Cracking your own neck: I know it feels good temporarily, but when you crack your own neck, you're typically moving the joints that are already too mobile (hypermobile) while the actually restricted joints stay stuck. Over time, this creates instability and makes the problem worse. Let a professional address the restrictions that actually need to move.

Aggressive stretching: If your neck is acutely painful or inflamed, aggressive stretching can aggravate it. Gentle movement is good; forcing your head through painful ranges of motion is not.

Sleeping on your stomach: This requires turning your head to one side for hours, putting sustained rotation stress through your cervical spine. If you're a stomach sleeper with neck pain, this is likely a significant contributing factor.

Prolonged phone scrolling: We've covered this, but it bears repeating. Every time you look down at your phone, you're loading your neck with 3-6x the weight of your head. Minimize this.

Ignoring pain signals: Pain is information. It's your body saying "this isn't working." Listen to it. Pushing through pain doesn't make you tough; it makes your injury worse.

When to Seek Care

Don't wait until you can't turn your head. Come in if:

• Pain lasting more than 3-5 days

• Pain interfering with your daily activities or sleep

• Radiating pain into your arms

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere

• Associated headaches that are new or worsening

• Difficulty finding a comfortable position

• You've tried self-care without improvement

Early intervention means faster resolution. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to fix.

Why Choose Nord Ro Clinic for Your Neck Pain

Look, I know you have options. Chicago has plenty of chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists. So let me tell you why patients choose Nord Ro—and why they stay.

We Take an Integrative Approach

Neck pain rarely has a single cause, so why would we use a single treatment? At Nord Ro, we combine chiropractic care, acupuncture, and lifestyle medicine to address your pain from multiple angles. We adjust the joints that aren't moving properly, release the muscles that are holding tension, calm the nervous system that's amplifying pain signals, and teach you how to prevent it from coming back.

This isn't about upselling you on more services—it's about recognizing that bodies are complex and healing requires a comprehensive approach.

We Don't Use Cookie-Cutter Treatment Plans

You won't hear me say "everyone needs to come in 3x/week for 12 weeks." Your treatment plan is based on your specific assessment findings, your goals, your schedule, and your budget.

Some people need intensive care initially, then taper quickly. Others do better with less frequent but consistent maintenance care. We figure out what works for your body and your life.

We're LGBTQ+ Affirming and Trauma-Informed

Nord Ro exists at the intersection of clinical excellence and queer liberation. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, you know how exhausting it can be to constantly assess whether a healthcare provider is safe. You don't have to do that here.

We're also explicitly trauma-informed in our approach. For many people, bodywork—especially neck work—can feel vulnerable or bring up difficult emotions or memories. I understand this. We move at your pace, we communicate constantly, and your consent matters at every step.

This is a space where you can show up as your whole self.

We Understand That Neck Pain Often Has Emotional Components

Stress lives in your shoulders. Anxiety tightens your jaw and neck. Unprocessed emotions get stored in your body. We don't just treat the mechanical dysfunction—we acknowledge that pain exists in a context.

This doesn't mean I'm going to psychoanalyze you on the treatment table. It means I recognize that sustainable healing addresses both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain.

Convenient Location and Flexible Scheduling

We're located in Lakeview at 2908 N Lincoln Ave, easily accessible by public transit (Brown, Red, Purple lines all nearby) and with street parking available.

We offer online booking through our website, so you can schedule at 2 am if that's when you remember. We also have flexible hours to accommodate different schedules.

We Accept Most Insurance Plans

We're in-network with many major insurance plans and can provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. We'll verify your coverage before your first visit so there are no surprises.

Don't have insurance or have a high deductible? We also offer affordable self-pay rates and can discuss payment plans if needed. Access to care matters to us.

Your Next Steps

Here's the thing about neck pain: It's incredibly common, highly treatable, and absolutely worth addressing. You don't have to live with it. You don't have to accept it as "just part of life" or "just getting old."

Conservative, evidence-based care—chiropractic, acupuncture, lifestyle modification—should be your first stop, not your last resort. The research is clear, the outcomes are strong, and the risk is minimal compared to medication or surgery.

If you've been dealing with neck pain—whether it's been days, weeks, months, or years—I encourage you to take action. Call us, book online, send us a message. Let's figure out what's going on and create a plan to get you moving freely again.

You deserve to check your blind spot without wincing. You deserve to wake up without that nagging stiffness. You deserve to move through your life without constantly thinking about your neck.

Let's make that happen.

Ready to address your neck pain? Book your appointment at Nord Ro Clinic in Lakeview today.

📞 Call or text: (773) 886-0960🌐 Book online: nordroclinic.janeapp.com📍 Visit us: 2908 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain Treatment

How long does it take for neck pain to heal?

It depends on several factors: how long you've had the pain, what's causing it, your overall health, and how consistently you follow through with treatment and home care. Acute neck pain (lasting less than 6 weeks) often responds within 2-4 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic neck pain takes longer—typically 6-12 weeks to see significant improvement, though many people feel better after just a few sessions.

Is it safe to get my neck adjusted?

Yes, when performed by a licensed chiropractor. Cervical manipulation has an excellent safety record. Serious adverse events are extremely rare (estimated at 1 in 2 million adjustments). We also use gentle techniques and always communicate before adjusting. If you're nervous about traditional manual adjustments, we offer instrument-assisted options that are very gentle.

Will I hear cracking sounds during an adjustment?

Maybe, maybe not. That "popping" sound is gas bubbles (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide) releasing from the joint fluid when pressure changes—it's called cavitation. It's the same sound your knuckles make when you crack them. The sound is not necessary for the adjustment to be effective. Some techniques produce audible releases, others don't. Both work.

Can acupuncture really help chronic neck pain?

Yes. Multiple high-quality studies, including Cochrane reviews, show that acupuncture is effective for chronic neck pain. It works through multiple mechanisms: releasing muscle tension, reducing inflammation, modulating pain signals, and calming the nervous system. Many patients find that acupuncture addresses aspects of their pain that other treatments haven't touched.

How many visits will I need?

I wish I could give you a definitive number, but honest answer? It varies. Some people with acute, straightforward neck pain feel significantly better after 3-4 visits. Others with chronic, complex pain may need 8-12+ visits to see substantial improvement. After your initial assessment, I'll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation. We reassess regularly and adjust the plan as needed.

Do you accept insurance for neck pain treatment?

Yes, we're in-network with many major insurance plans, and most plans cover chiropractic care for neck pain. Coverage for acupuncture varies by plan. We'll verify your benefits before your first visit and give you a clear picture of what's covered and what you'll owe. If you're paying out-of-pocket, we offer transparent, affordable rates.