Neck pain and stiffness are common, especially with desk work, phone use, training and poor sleep, and most cases are not caused by serious disease. At Muscle Chiropractic in Glendale, AZ, Dr. Tim Ballitch examines your neck and upper back first, then recommends care only when it fits your situation.
Dr. Tim sees people with neck pain, stiffness, tension between the shoulder blades, headaches that seem to start in the neck, and pain that travels toward the shoulder or arm.
Muscle Chiropractic is at 7155 W. Campo Bello Dr., Building B, Suite B-115, Glendale, AZ 85308. We see patients from Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and North Phoenix.
Ready to have your neck checked? Choose your visit:
Not sure which to book? Call/text 480-740-9619.
Call 911 or get medical care first if you have…
- a sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before
- dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, facial numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg
- neck pain after a car accident, fall or other significant injury
- fever with a stiff neck
- progressive arm weakness or loss of coordination
How Dr. Tim assesses neck pain
He asks how the pain started, what aggravates it, your work setup, sleep and training, and your health history. He then checks neck and upper-back movement, tender areas, posture under load, and, when symptoms travel into the arm, reflexes, strength and sensation. If something suggests imaging or another specialist, he will tell you.
Treatment options
- Chiropractic adjustments to the neck or upper back, by hand or with the ProAdjuster, which many people find gentler
- Soft tissue therapy for tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Home exercises for neck and shoulder-blade strength and mobility
- Practical advice on desk, screen and sleep setup
Not every patient needs every option. Your plan depends on your exam and goals, and changes based on how you respond.
What the research shows
In a randomized trial of adults with acute and subacute neck pain, spinal manipulation was more effective than medication over both the short and long term, while a few sessions of home exercise with advice produced similar results to manipulation (Bronfort et al., Ann Intern Med, 2012). That is one reason Dr. Tim includes exercise and advice, not just adjustments. Results vary from person to person, and no treatment can guarantee a specific outcome.
Common questions
Is a neck adjustment safe?
Serious problems are rare, but Dr. Tim screens for warning signs first and can use gentler instrument or soft tissue options if you prefer not to have a manual neck adjustment.
Can you help with headaches?
Some headaches are related to neck and upper-back tension. Dr. Tim will check whether your headache pattern fits that, and will refer you if it does not.
How quickly will I feel better?
It depends on the cause and how long you have had it. Dr. Tim rechecks your progress at each visit and changes course, or refers you, if you are not improving as expected.
Do you take insurance?
Muscle Chiropractic is a cash-based practice and does not bill health insurance. HSA/FSA cards are accepted.
Related care
Back pain · Shoulder pain · Headaches · Numbness and tingling · Chiropractic care · Mechanical Motion Therapy · New patient center
Have neck pain or stiffness that keeps coming back? Book online or call/text 480-740-9619.
