Neck Pain Treatment in Orem, Utah
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain? Yes. Chiropractic adjustments correct cervical spine misalignment, relieve nerve compression, and release tight neck muscles to eliminate pain at its source. Dr. Drussel specializes in neck pain treatment at Integrative Motion in Orem, UT.
Understanding Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting roughly one in three adults at any given time. The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven vertebrae that support the weight of your head (approximately 10 to 12 pounds) while allowing a wide range of motion. This combination of mobility and load-bearing makes the neck particularly vulnerable to injury and dysfunction.
Common causes of neck pain include cervical subluxation (vertebral misalignment), disc herniation or degeneration, facet joint irritation, muscle strains from poor posture or sudden movements, ligament sprains from whiplash or trauma, and nerve compression that can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms and hands.
Modern lifestyles have dramatically increased the prevalence of neck pain. Hours spent looking down at phones ("tech neck"), working at computers, and driving create chronic forward head posture that places enormous strain on the cervical spine. For every inch your head shifts forward from its neutral position, the effective weight on your neck muscles doubles.
How Dr. Drussel Treats Neck Pain
At Integrative Motion, neck pain treatment starts with a detailed examination to determine exactly what is causing your symptoms. Dr. Drussel evaluates your cervical spine alignment, tests range of motion in all directions, performs orthopedic and neurological tests, and assesses your posture and upper body mechanics.
Treatment for neck pain typically includes:
- Cervical adjustments using techniques calibrated to your comfort level, from manual manipulation to instrument-assisted methods
- Soft tissue therapy to release the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles that commonly contribute to neck pain
- Acupuncture for pain relief and reduction of inflammation in the cervical region
- Postural correction exercises to strengthen the deep neck flexors and scapular stabilizers that support proper head position
- Ergonomic recommendations for your workstation, phone habits, and sleeping position
Dr. Drussel understands that neck pain can be anxiety-producing for patients, and he takes the time to explain every technique before performing it. He offers multiple adjustment methods and always works within your comfort level.
Signs You Should See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain
- Neck pain or stiffness that has persisted for more than a few days
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Inability to turn your head fully to one or both sides
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or fingers
- Headaches that start at the base of your skull or behind your eyes
- Neck pain after a car accident, fall, or sports injury
- Chronic neck tension from desk work or phone use
- Grinding or clicking sounds when you move your neck
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first neck pain appointment at Integrative Motion lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Dr. Drussel will discuss your symptoms in detail, examine your cervical spine and surrounding structures, and determine the cause of your pain. If your examination reveals findings that require imaging (such as X-rays), he will discuss this with you before proceeding.
Most neck pain patients begin treatment during their first visit. Dr. Drussel selects the gentlest effective technique for your condition. Many patients experience noticeable improvement in pain and range of motion immediately after their first visit. A typical treatment plan for neck pain involves 2 to 3 visits per week for the first 2 to 4 weeks, then tapering based on your progress.
Between visits, you will be given specific exercises and stretches to perform at home, along with guidance on posture, sleeping position, and workstation setup to prevent your neck pain from returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Cervical adjustments performed by a trained, licensed chiropractor are safe and effective. Dr. Drussel has multiple techniques available for neck adjustments and selects the approach best suited to your condition and comfort level. He always performs a thorough examination before any cervical manipulation to screen for contraindications.
Absolutely. Cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck) are extremely common. Misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae, tight suboccipital muscles, and restricted neck mobility can all trigger headaches. Treating the neck dysfunction often eliminates or significantly reduces headache frequency and intensity.
Tech neck refers to neck pain and postural dysfunction caused by prolonged forward head posture from looking at phones, tablets, and computers. Yes, chiropractic care is highly effective for tech neck. Dr. Drussel treats the structural misalignment with adjustments, addresses the muscle imbalance with soft tissue therapy, and prescribes postural correction exercises to reverse the pattern.
Yes, and promptly. Whiplash from a car accident is one of the most common causes of neck pain and can have lasting consequences if untreated. Integrative Motion offers same-day appointments for car accident patients, and your Utah PIP coverage pays for treatment with $0 out of pocket. Call (801) 396-1100 to schedule.
Not resolving as expected?
When structural treatment alone isn't producing the results you'd expect, there may be something systemic underneath. Chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic imbalances can prevent your body from healing properly. Dr. Drussel's functional medicine approach investigates these deeper root causes.
Get Relief from Neck Pain
Book your neck pain evaluation with Dr. Drussel at Integrative Motion in Orem, Utah. Find the cause and fix it.