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The Different Types of Neck Pain & Their Common Causes

  • April 10, 2026
Picture of David Sedghi

David Sedghi

For several years Dr. David Sedghi lived, practiced and taught in the Bay Area, but he was born and raised here in SLO and home had been calling him back for some time. He discovered the power of Chiropractic after working as a laborer post undergrad and becoming injured. After one adjustment, he couldn’t believe how much better he felt. He then pursued a Chiropractic career in the Bay Area and after five years, decided to come back home to help the community that had helped to raise him.

Most of us experience neck pain at some point in our lives. It can be caused by a number of things, including poor posture, a muscle strain, or a pinched nerve. Depending on the cause, neck pain can be acute or chronic, and vary in intensity from mild to excruciating.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from neck pain, you know that it can be both frustrating and debilitating. Neck pain can have many different causes, so it is important to understand the different types and their common causes. This will help you to better manage your neck pain and improve your quality of life.

2 Main Type of Neck Pain in San Luis Obispo

There are two main types of neck pain: Acute Neck Pain and Chronic Neck Pain. 

  1. Acute Neck Pain

Acute neck pain is the most common type of neck pain. It is usually caused by something minor, like poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or strained muscles from overuse. This type of neck pain is usually short-lived and resolved within a few days or weeks. However, if your pain persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness, it is important to see a Chiropractor doctor at Momentum Health Chiropractic in San Luis Obispo as you may have a more serious condition.

  1. Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is less common than acute neck pain but can be more debilitating. This type of neck pain is characterized by symptoms that last for more than three months and often gets worse over time. Chronic neck pain can be caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or herniated discs. Treatment for chronic neck pain often requires a combination of medical interventions such as chiropractic care and nonsurgical spinal decompression care in San Luis Obispo. 

Common Causes of Neck Pain in San Luis Obispo

There are many different things that can cause neck pain. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Muscle Strain

Muscle strains are often caused by repetitive motions or sudden movements that overload the muscles in the neck and shoulders. 

  • Neck Sprain / Strain

Neck strain is often caused by poor posture or repetitive motions such as typing at a computer keyboard or staring at a screen for long periods of time. This type of neck pain is typically characterized by muscle stiffness and soreness. Treatment for neck strain typically includes hot/cold therapy, gentle stretching exercises, massage and gentle chiropractic care. 

  • Degenerative Diseases

Arthritis is the most common degenerative disease that affects the neck, but there are others as well. These diseases cause the vertebrae in the spine to deteriorate, which can lead to nerve compression and severe pain.

  • Herniated Discs

The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. A herniated disc occurs when a disc ruptures or leaks fluid into the spinal canal. This can cause nerve compression and lead to neck pain.

  • Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by bones, muscles, or tendons. This pressure can cause irritation and inflammation of the nerve, resulting in neck pain. 

  • Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the discs in the neck begin to deteriorate. This deterioration can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves, causing neck pain.

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. This type of injury is often seen in car accidents and can lead to symptoms such as neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Treatment for whiplash typically includes a combination of rest, ice, heat, and chiropractic therapy. 

How Does Chiropractic Care in San Luis Obispo Help with Neck Pain?

Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body. 

Here’s a look at how chiropractic care can help relieve your neck pain.

  1. Chiropractic Adjustments

One of the main ways chiropractors help relieve neck pain is through chiropractic adjustments. Also known as spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustments involve using your hands or a small instrument to apply pressure to the joints in your spine. This pressure helps align your spine and relieves tension in your muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

In addition to providing relief from pain, chiropractic adjustments can also help improve your range of motion and increase your flexibility. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from stiffness or limited mobility due to your neck pain.

  1. Non-surgical Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for those suffering from degenerative disc disease. It works by gently stretching the spine and targeting the affected discs to reduce pressure, improve mobility, and relieve pain.

This therapeutic approach targets the damaged discs by creating a negative pressure within them that encourages herniation reduction and hydration. Through gentle stretching of the spine, this type of therapy can help patients experience a significant reduction in nerve-related pain and other symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. 

For some individuals, regular spinal decompression treatment can provide long-term relief after just a few sessions. Those with especially severe cases may need more intensive treatments over an extended period of time to achieve significant improvement. Ultimately, Spinal Decompression Therapy offers an effective solution for those suffering from debilitating pain caused by degenerative disc disease.

Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain in San Luis Obispo

Neck pain is a very common problem that can have many different causes. However, there are also many different treatment options available depending on the underlying cause of your neck pain. Chiropractors at Momentum Health Chiropractic are trained to help alleviate neck pain caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, tension headaches, and a misaligned spine. 
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to see Dr. David Sedghi at Momentum Health Chiropractic in San Luis Obispo, he can help you determine the cause and give you the appropriate treatment for your neck pain. Don’t wait until your neck pain gets worse—schedule an appointment at (805) 541-6966 today!

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