If you are looking for a neck pain chiropractor in Chicago, Godo Chiropractic provides personalized evaluation and care for neck stiffness, soreness, limited movement, headaches, and discomfort that may extend into the shoulders, upper back, arms, or hands.
Dr. Jason Godo is both a chiropractic physician and registered nurse with more than 23 years of clinical experience. He evaluates your symptoms, health history, posture, movement, joint function, and neurological findings to help identify factors that may be contributing to your neck pain.
Our office is conveniently located in Lakeview Chicago and serves patients from Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Uptown, Northalsted, Roscoe Village, River North, and nearby neighborhoods. Same-day visits may be available.
Call our office or complete the appointment form to ask questions and schedule your evaluation.
Common Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck pain can begin suddenly after an awkward movement or develop gradually from posture, repetitive activity, sleep position, work demands, or changes affecting the joints, discs, muscles, or nerves.
Patients commonly describe:
- Stiffness or soreness in the neck
- Difficulty turning the head from side to side
- Pain when looking up or down
- Tension at the base of the skull
- Tightness across the shoulders or upper back
- Neck pain after computer or phone use
- Pain or stiffness after sleeping
- Recurring neck pain that temporarily improves and returns
- Headaches associated with neck tension
- Pain extending into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or hand
Not every symptom comes from the same structure. An evaluation can help determine whether the discomfort appears related to joints, muscles, discs, nerves, posture, movement, or another source.
What May Be Causing Your Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a symptom rather than a single diagnosis. Several factors may contribute at the same time.
Joint Restriction or Irritation
Restricted or uncomfortable movement in the joints of the neck may affect normal motion and place additional stress on nearby muscles and tissues.
Postural Stress
Long periods spent looking at computers, phones, tablets, or work surfaces can increase strain on the neck and upper back. Poor posture is also recognized as a common contributor to neck pain. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Muscle Tension and Imbalance
Tight, overworked, or poorly coordinated muscles may alter how the head, neck, and shoulders move during work, exercise, driving, and daily activity.
Workstation and Ergonomic Factors
Monitor height, chair position, keyboard placement, prolonged sitting, and repetitive movements may contribute to recurring symptoms.
Disc or Nerve Irritation
Changes affecting a cervical disc or nerve root may cause neck pain with symptoms extending into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers. These symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Sleeping Position
An awkward sleeping position or a pillow that does not adequately support the neck may contribute to morning stiffness or pain.
For general medical information, review Mayo Clinic’s overview of neck pain symptoms and causes.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Neck Pain?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate when neck pain is influenced by joint restriction, mechanical irritation, posture, muscle tension, movement habits, or related problems involving the upper back and shoulders.
Dr. Godo does not assume that every patient with neck pain has the same condition. Your evaluation is used to determine whether chiropractic care appears appropriate and what treatment options may be considered.
Depending on your findings, care may include:
- Chiropractic treatment adapted to your condition and comfort
- Joint and mobility work
- Posture and movement recommendations
- Stretching or mobility exercises
- Workstation and ergonomic guidance
- Advice for sleeping, driving, lifting, and daily activity
- Referral for imaging or medical evaluation when appropriate
Results vary according to the cause, duration, severity, and overall health of each patient.
Neck Pain, Headaches, and Migraines
Some people experience headaches along with neck stiffness, upper-neck tension, or discomfort at the base of the skull. Posture, prolonged screen use, muscle tension, and restricted neck movement may contribute to symptoms in some patients.
Headaches and migraines can have many possible causes. A neck pain evaluation does not replace appropriate medical assessment, but it may help determine whether musculoskeletal factors appear to be contributing.
Learn more about the relationship between neck tension and headaches and migraines.
Neck Pain With Arm Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness
Pain that travels from the neck into an arm may indicate irritation affecting a cervical nerve root. Symptoms can include:
- Shoulder or arm pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Changes in grip strength
- Weakness in the arm or hand
- Pain worsened by certain neck positions
Because these symptoms can have several causes, Dr. Godo may assess strength, sensation, reflexes, neck movement, and positions that reproduce or reduce the symptoms. Additional imaging or medical referral may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
How a Neck Pain Chiropractor Evaluates Your Symptoms
Your evaluation begins with a detailed conversation about when the pain started, where it is located, what movements affect it, and how it interferes with work, sleep, exercise, driving, or daily activities.
Dr. Godo may evaluate:
- Neck and upper-back movement
- Posture and head position
- Shoulder movement
- Muscle tension and tenderness
- Joint mobility
- Movements that reproduce or reduce your symptoms
- Strength, sensation, or reflexes when clinically appropriate
- Workstation, phone, driving, and sleeping habits
- Previous injuries, treatment, or imaging
The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the likely contributing factors and determine whether care can be provided safely and appropriately.
What Happens During Your First Visit?
Your first visit includes a consultation and examination focused on your symptoms, movement, posture, functional limitations, and relevant neurological findings.
After the evaluation, Dr. Godo will explain:
- What may be contributing to your neck pain
- Whether chiropractic care appears appropriate
- What treatment options may be considered
- Whether imaging or referral may be needed
- What you can expect from follow-up care
When clinically appropriate, treatment may begin during the same visit.
Personalized Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
There is no single treatment plan that is appropriate for every patient with neck pain.
Recommendations may be adjusted based on:
- The suspected source of the symptoms
- The severity and duration of the pain
- The presence of headaches or arm symptoms
- Your examination findings
- Your occupation and workstation demands
- Your exercise and daily activities
- Your comfort and response to treatment
- Recommendations from other healthcare providers
Dr. Godo provides one-on-one care based on your individual findings rather than using the same treatment for every patient.
Why Patients Choose Godo Chiropractic for Neck Pain Care
- Direct care from Dr. Jason Godo
- Chiropractic physician and registered nurse
- More than 23 years of clinical experience
- Individualized examination and treatment recommendations
- Evaluation of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms
- Convenient Lakeview Chicago location
- Same-day visits may be available
- Insurance and payment options reviewed before your visit
- Referral for additional evaluation when clinically appropriate
Our goal is to help you better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next step.
$29 New Patient Posture and Pain Assessment
New patients may begin with a $29 posture and pain assessment.
The assessment may include:
- Consultation with Dr. Godo
- Review of your symptoms and health history
- Posture and movement evaluation
- Assessment of areas that may be contributing to your pain
- Discussion of findings and care options
Treatment is not included in the $29 assessment unless specifically stated and determined appropriate.
Learn more about the $29 new patient posture and pain assessment, or call the office with questions about insurance, payment options, or appointment availability.
When Neck Pain Needs Urgent Medical Evaluation
Most neck pain is not caused by a serious condition, but certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek urgent medical care for neck pain associated with:
- A significant collision, fall, diving injury, or other trauma
- New or rapidly worsening weakness in an arm or leg
- Difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or unusual clumsiness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe neck pain with high fever
- A sudden severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or other acute symptoms
- Progressive numbness affecting multiple limbs
Mayo Clinic advises emergency evaluation for severe neck pain associated with major trauma, limb weakness, difficulty walking, or high fever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain Chiropractic Care
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
Chiropractic care may help when neck pain is influenced by joint restriction, posture, muscle tension, or mechanical irritation. An evaluation is needed to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
What causes neck pain?
Possible causes include muscle strain, poor posture, joint irritation, arthritis, disc problems, nerve irritation, repetitive activity, awkward sleeping positions, trauma, or other medical conditions. The cause differs among patients.
Can poor posture cause neck pain?
Prolonged forward-head posture and extended computer or phone use can increase stress on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back. Posture may be one contributing factor rather than the only cause.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Some headaches may be associated with neck tension, restricted movement, posture, or irritation involving the upper neck. Headaches can also have other causes, so persistent, severe, or unusual headaches should be evaluated appropriately.
Can neck pain cause shoulder or arm pain?
Yes. Problems affecting joints, discs, muscles, or nerves in the neck may sometimes contribute to pain that extends into the shoulder, upper back, arm, or hand. An examination can help identify the likely source.
What does numbness or tingling in my arm mean?
Numbness or tingling may occur when a nerve is irritated or compressed, but it may also have other causes. New, persistent, or worsening neurological symptoms should be evaluated.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI before seeing a chiropractor?
Not every patient requires imaging before an initial evaluation. Imaging may be recommended when symptoms, trauma history, neurological findings, progressive weakness, or other clinical concerns indicate that additional testing is appropriate.
Will I receive treatment during my first visit?
Treatment may begin during the first visit when the examination indicates that chiropractic care is appropriate. If additional testing or referral is needed, Dr. Godo will explain the recommended next step.
How long does neck pain take to improve?
Recovery time varies according to the cause, severity, duration, work demands, activity level, and overall health of the patient. Dr. Godo will discuss expectations after completing the examination.
Can changing my pillow fix neck pain?
A supportive pillow and comfortable sleep position may help some patients, but recurring neck pain may involve factors beyond the pillow. An evaluation can help identify other contributing issues.
Is chiropractic care safe for neck pain?
Care should be based on an appropriate history and examination and adapted to the patient’s condition, comfort, risk factors, and clinical findings. Dr. Godo will discuss whether chiropractic care appears appropriate for you.
Do you accept insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan, network, and chiropractic benefits. Contact the office with your insurance information so coverage and payment options can be reviewed before your visit.
Are same-day appointments available?
Same-day visits may be available depending on the office schedule. Call the office for current availability.
Schedule Your Neck Pain Chiropractic Evaluation
You should not receive the same treatment as every other patient.
Dr. Godo will evaluate your symptoms, posture, movement, neurological findings, work demands, and daily activities before recommending care.
Complete the appointment form or call Godo Chiropractic to ask questions and schedule your visit.
Godo Chiropractic
3118 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL
(773) 525-0007