How To Fix A Stiff Neck

Why Does Your Neck Get Stiff?

A stiff neck is one of the most common problems people experience — especially after sleeping awkwardly, sitting at a desk too long, or dealing with stress. The main causes usually include:

• Joint fixation or misalignment – in the cervical spine
• Muscle tension or spasm – often from poor posture or stress
• Poor sleeping position (too many pillows or sleeping on your stomach)
• Sudden movement or strain – such as checking your blind spot or lifting incorrectly
• Lack of movement – long hours on computers or phones can weaken and tighten neck stabilizers
• Underlying neck condition – spinal degeneration, stenosis, or disc issues

When the neck loses normal joint motion, it can quickly lead to inflammation, stiffness, and headaches — and if left untreated, these episodes often become more frequent and longer-lasting over time.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint motion in the cervical spine and relieve pressure on the surrounding muscles and nerves. At Chiropractic on Eagle, we assess not just where the pain is, but why it’s happening.

We use a combination of:

• Chiropractic adjustments to restore normal movement
• Muscle release therapy to ease tightness and spasms
• Corrective exercises and postural rehab to strengthen weak stabilizing muscles
• Digital X-rays and thermography (when needed) for a precise diagnosis

Most patients notice improved neck motion and less stiffness after just a few visits — especially when combined with home exercises.

What You Can Do at Home

If your neck is stiff, you can often help it loosen naturally by improving circulation and restoring movement gently. Try This:

1. Use the Towel Stretch Technique
   This is the exercise featured in my video below. It helps release tight joints and muscles quickly.
2. Apply Heat or Contrast Therapy
   Use a warm compress or take a warm shower to relax tight muscles. Alternate with cold if inflammation is present.
3. Gentle Neck Movement
   Slowly turn your head side to side and nod up and down several times a day. Avoid sudden or forceful movement.
4. Improve Posture
   Keep your screens at eye level and avoid prolonged downward looking at your phone. Strengthen your postural muscles with daily cervical extension exercises.
5. Hydrate and Rest
   Dehydration can worsen muscle stiffness. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting quality rest.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your neck pain is severe, persistent, or associated with arm tingling, headaches, or dizziness, it’s important to get it properly assessed. These may indicate a deeper structural or nerve-related issue that requires professional care.

At Chiropractic on Eagle in Newmarket, Ontario, we help patients recover from neck pain and stiffness using a corrective, wholistic approach — helping you move better, feel better, and stay that way.

Neck stiffness can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to linger. With the right stretch, consistent care, and improved posture, most people can find lasting relief and prevent future flare-ups.

If you’re local to Newmarket and dealing with ongoing neck tightness or recurring stiffness, we’d love to help you get to the root cause and start feeling your best again.

Book Now:
www.chirofirst.ca
(905) 953-1028