What it feels like
Stiffness turning your head. Pain at the base of skull. Tension headaches. Pain radiating to shoulders. Grinding or clicking.
What’s actually causing it
Neck pain is one of the most common things I treat, and it's almost never just a neck problem. The muscles in your neck are working overtime because something below them isn't pulling its weight. Poor scapular control, weak deep neck flexors, a mid-back that's been locked in flexion from years at a desk — any of these can force your neck into a compensation pattern that eventually becomes pain. I test the full chain from your mid-back through your shoulders to your neck to find which muscles have shut down and which are doing double duty.
How I treat it
I test the muscles around the affected area individually, find which ones aren’t firing, and reset the connection using gentle techniques. No cracking, no popping.
How long it takes
Most patients feel a difference after one session. Chronic cases typically resolve in 4–6 sessions.
What it feels like
Waking up with stiffness. A dull ache after hours at the computer. Sharp pain when you turn your head. Neck pain is one of the most common complaints I see — and most treatments only chase the pain instead of fixing the pattern behind it.
Neck pain is discomfort, tightness, or sharp jolts felt in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. It may stay local or radiate into the shoulders, head, or arms. Think of it like a rope pulled too tight — unless you release the strain at the source, the tension keeps building.
Why Neck Pain Happens
Common contributors include:
- Poor posture from computers, phones, or driving
- Past injuries or whiplash
- Age-related changes such as arthritis or disc degeneration
- Stress and muscle tension
- Nerve irritation causing tingling or numbness
But often the problem isn't "just posture." It's certain muscles not firing properly, leaving other tissues to take the overload. That's the thing nobody checks.
Why Common Treatments Fall Short
- Pain relievers: Mask the discomfort, don't fix the pattern.
- Stretching: Temporary relief if the deeper imbalance isn't corrected.
- Injections: Reduce inflammation but don't restore function.
- Orthotics or braces: Support but may weaken long-term.
How I Treat Neck Pain
My framework is simple:
- Find what's not firing properly
- Restore the connection
- Help your body stay out of pain for good
Techniques I use include soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, Applied Kinesiology testing, trigger point and positional release, and craniosacral therapy.
What to Expect
- A conversation about your pain and daily habits
- Gentle testing to see which muscles aren't firing
- Targeted treatment to release and reconnect
- A simple home strategy to keep progress going
Results & Timelines
- Acute pain: Often improves in a few visits.
- Chronic pain: Requires steady layers of care, but most patients notice improvement within weeks, not years.
- Maintenance: Occasional check-ins to keep things balanced.
“I had been suffering for years and was unsuccessfully treated by others. In one visit, Dr. Ladd was able to find and address the real issue.”
Patient review · Neck Pain patient
Techniques I use for neck pain
Common questions
How long does it take neck pain to heal?
Many people notice improvement within a few visits. Chronic or long-standing issues may take longer, but the goal is always durable change — not endless appointments.
Is it safe to treat neck pain this way?
Yes. Treatment is gentle, customized, and non-invasive. No cracking, no popping.
Do I need imaging first?
Usually not. If red flags are present, I'll refer you for imaging before we proceed.
Will neck pain come back?
It can — but restoring function and balance greatly reduces the chance of recurrence. That's the difference between chasing symptoms and fixing the pattern.
Ready to find real relief?
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