INJURIES

Sudden movements or impacts — such as in road traffic accidents or sports collisions — can lead to whiplash-type injuries. These occur when the neck is rapidly forced forwards and backwards or side-to-side, straining the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Whiplash may not cause immediate pain but can lead to stiffness, headaches, muscle spasms, and reduced range of motion in the hours or days that follow. In some cases, symptoms may persist if the underlying structures remain irritated or if proper rehabilitation isn’t carried out. Chiropractic care can be highly effective in treating whiplash and similar injuries. By gently restoring movement to the joints and addressing muscle imbalances, we can support your recovery and help reduce the risk of chronic pain or reduced mobility.

POOR POSTURE

In our modern lifestyles, poor posture is one of the leading causes of neck and upper back pain. Prolonged periods spent sitting at desks, using laptops or phones, or driving can place excessive strain on the muscles and joints of the cervical spine. Forward head posture — often called “tech neck” — shifts the head’s weight further forward, increasing the load on the neck and upper back by several times. Over time, this can lead to muscle fatigue, stiffness, joint compression, and even long-term structural changes if left unaddressed. Symptoms may include aching across the shoulders, tension headaches, and restricted movement. Chiropractic care can help identify and correct postural imbalances, relieve pressure on affected joints and muscles, and provide advice on how to move and sit in ways that reduce long-term stress on your spine.

FACET JOINT IRRITATIONS

The facet joints are small, paired joints at the back of each spinal vertebra. In the neck and upper back, these joints help support movement and stability — but they can become irritated or inflamed due to poor posture, repetitive strain, or injury. When this happens, the result is often sharp, localised pain on one side of the neck or upper back, sometimes radiating to the shoulder or base of the skull. Movements such as looking up, turning the head, or arching the spine may become painful. Facet joint pain is often mechanical in nature and responds well to chiropractic treatment. Through gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and mobility work, we help reduce joint irritation, restore normal movement, and relieve associated muscle tension.

MUSCULAR TENSION/STRESS

Muscular stress is one of the most common and often overlooked contributors to neck and upper back pain. It can result from physical overuse, poor posture, emotional stress, or even grinding teeth. Chronic tension in the upper trapezius and surrounding muscles can lead to tightness, soreness, and tension headaches. Trigger points (knots) may develop, causing referred pain to the head, shoulders, or arms. Unlike joint-related pain, muscular pain is often dull, achy, and persistent, and may worsen with stress or fatigue. At Holly Cottage Chiropractic Clinic, we use a range of techniques — including soft tissue therapy, dry needling, stretching, and movement correction — to relieve muscular tension and restore normal function. Combined with advice on posture, stress management, and exercise, chiropractic care can help break the cycle of muscle-related pain and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

DISC HERNIATIONS

Between each vertebra lies a disc — a soft, gel-filled cushion that absorbs shock and allows spinal movement. In some cases, these discs can degenerate, bulge, or herniate, leading to discogenic pain. If a bulging disc compresses a nearby nerve root, it may cause sharp, radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm — commonly known as cervical radiculopathy. Disc-related issues can develop gradually due to wear and tear or result from a sudden injury. Chiropractic care offers a conservative, non-invasive approach to managing discogenic pain and nerve irritation. By improving spinal alignment, relieving muscle tension, and supporting disc health through posture and movement strategies, chiropractic treatment can help ease pressure on the affected nerve and support your recovery.