Why your nagging Neck Pain or Headaches might be coming from somewhere else..
If you woke up with a neck that feels like it aged 40 years overnight… welcome to the club nobody wants to be in. Neck pain is one of the top reasons people land in a chiropractor’s office — but here’s the truth most clinics don’t say out loud:
Not all neck pain is created equal — and not all providers know how to actually fix it.
At Minnesota Movement Chiropractic Sport & Spine, we work with athletes, active adults, and high-performers who need a neck that keeps up with their life — not one that taps out after a few hours at a desk or a bad night of sleep. Our job is simple: figure out the real reason your neck hurts and fix it with a plan that actually works.
(Psst! The root cause may not be your neck!)
Common Symptoms We See
(That You Might Be Ignoring)
Sharp or stabbing pain when you turn your head
Tightness across the upper traps or between the shoulder blades
Pinching or burning down the arm
Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Stiffness after weightlifting or long drives
Tingling or numbness into the hand
“My neck feels weak or unstable”
“Cracking” or “grinding” sensations when moving
Treatments for Cervical Spine Pain
At Minnesota Movement Chiropractic Sport & Spine, care isn’t random. It’s curated — based on what your exam shows, not guesswork.
Our go-to tools include:
Active Release Technique (ART) for stubborn muscle restrictions
Functional Dry Needling to promote ‘good inflammation’ and ease muscular tightness
Manual Muscle Therapy for trigger points and tension
Chiropractic Adjustments when mobility is actually limited
Corrective Strength Work (deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers, postural strength)
Ergonomic + Postural Rebuilds you can actually follow
RockTape Kinesiology Taping for posture reminders
Cervical Traction & Nerve Flossing to calm pinched nerves quickly
Real Results Testimonial:
“Dr Reid is the man! I’ve gone to him for a variety of things and always come out the other side feeling much better than before. Whether it’s an adjustment, or putting a plan together to address the underlying cause, he always figures it out. I had been very skeptical that he could help my pinched nerve in my neck. I was a week out from getting a shot in my neck to address the pain and tingling in my hands, but thankful I visited Dr. Reid first and was able to cancel the injection. Huge fan of Minnesota Movement Sports Chiropractic and would recommend to anyone.”
Nate S. - Minnetonka
Most Common Causes of Neck Pain
Headaches & Migraines — often from cervical joint irritation (chicken vs. egg)
Whiplash Injuries — car accidents or sports collisions
TMJ Dysfunction — yes, your jaw can cause neck pain
Sports Injuries — overhead athletes, lifters, cyclists, swimmers
Posture / Upper Cross Syndrome — tech neck, desk posture
Arthritis & Degeneration — normal aging… but treatable
Bulging or Herniated Discs — causing nerve irritation or “pinched nerve” symptoms
Poor Breathing Patterns — the sneaky culprit almost nobody assesses
Mechanisms of Injury
Heavy lifting with poor neck position
Sleeping twisted like a pretzel
Long hours at a computer without breaks
High-volume swimming or overhead sports
Sudden acceleration/braking (whiplash)
Postural fatigue from daily life
Repetitive stress from grinding teeth or jaw tension
Home Exercises & Stretches We Commonly Prescribe
Recovery Time & Prognosis
Most acute neck pain improvements happen within 2–6 visits over 2–3 weeks when treated correctly.
Whiplash, nerve irritation, or chronic posture-related issues may take 4–8 weeks depending on severity and the accumulative stress load.
Either way:
Our goal is to get you out of pain AND build a neck that doesn’t relapse every 3 months.
If your neck pain is starting to slow you down — whether it’s lifts, work, or sleep — book an appointment below so we can fix the root cause and get you moving again. Not guessing. Not merely hoping it goes away. Actually fixing it.