Neck Pain Treatment Murrieta, CA
Dr. Phillip Vournazos, DC, has treated many patients in Murrieta who struggle with neck pain that affects daily movement, work, and sleep. Neck pain often develops gradually due to posture strain, repetitive movements, or spinal tension rather than a single injury.
At California Oaks Chiropractic, we focus on identifying the cause of neck pain, not just addressing discomfort. Our approach is gentle and precise, designed to restore proper motion, reduce tension, and support long-term neck health.We also treat patients with conditions including Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological diagnoses where the cervical spine plays a role in their symptoms.
The first step is a consultation to understand your symptoms and determine the right treatment path. Call (951) 698-2511 to book an appointment.
What are the Causes of Neck Pain?
Some of the common causes of neck pain include:
- Trauma, such as whiplash
- Sleeping position
- Poor posture
- Repetitive stress
- Abnormalities in the bone structure
- Joint issues
- Muscle strains and pulls
Most of these issues are either caused by or impact the alignment of the spine. When muscles in the neck go into spasm, the spine gets pulled out of alignment. When the spine is misaligned, the nerves become irritated, leading to further tension and other systemic problems. Because every nerve in the body has its root in the spinal column, issues originating in the neck can have a major impact on every other system.
Radiculopathy is also one of the most common root causes we see, particularly in patients who are at a computer all day or constantly looking down at a phone. When the head is chronically in flexion, it compresses the discs and neurological structures, which are among the most delicate areas of the body.
How Do We Diagnose the Root Cause of Neck Pain
Neck pain can present in several ways, with different diagnoses and challenges. The upper part of the cervical (neck) spine, the first and second vertebrae, can cause an array of different symptoms. Someone who has had migraines since childhood, vertigo, dizziness, or ringing in the ear may have a spinal dysfunction in the upper neck region.
When the issue is in the lower cervical spine, the symptoms are completely different. Neurological symptoms going into the upper extremity, muscle weakness, tingling, and muscle atrophy are all common. Therefore, treatment
Neck Pain Treatment Plan
- Chiropractic treatment: Chiropractic care for the neck works to restore spinal function, get the joints moving properly, and address neurological compression, much like any other region of the spine.
- Cervical decompression therapy: We use a cervical traction unit designed to apply traction (gentle pulling) to the cervical discs, similar to lumbar decompression. This helps restore the discs to full fluid volume and reabsorb disc protrusions.
- Massage therapy and muscle work: Neck muscle work is distinct from other regions of the spine. Some muscles in the neck are innervated by the brain rather than the spinal nerve, so the approach to treating them is different. Our massage therapist handles these clinical situations and works hand in hand with chiropractic treatment to get the best outcome for the patient.
- Shockwave therapy: It helps manage any type of damage to the neck. Because the neck is more neurologically important than other regions of the spine, repairing that damage through shockwave therapy provides a long-lasting benefit for patients, including those for whom the only other option was surgical, which, most of the time, is 50/50.
Neck Pain Patient Case Studies
Text neck and loss of cervical curve treated to full spinal function
Patient Information: The patient had lost the natural curve in the cervical spine from chronic head flexion, consistent with what is referred to as computer syndrome or text neck. This affects close to 80 to 90 percent of the American population.
Symptoms: The head is chronically in flexion, compressing the discs and the neurological structures. Joints are not moving correctly. Muscles have developed adhesions and trigger points.
Treatment: Chiropractic treatment was started to restore spinal function. Decompression therapy was performed to help the discs regain their full fluid volume. Muscle work was used to improve muscle function and loosen tight, painful areas.
Outcome: Biomechanical (spinal) function was restored. The discs were no longer compressed and had full fluid volume. Joints are moving correctly. No neurological compression. Muscles are fully functional without adhesions or trigger points.
Management of upper cervical instability with chronic daily migraines
Patient Information: The patient presented with a previous diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is an elasticity issue of the upper cervical spine leading to chronic instability of the neck.
Symptoms: Chronic debilitating daily migraines at 9 or 10 out of 10 pain. The patient also had severe instability of the neck.
Treatment: Stabilizing and treating the upper cervical spine to address the instability and the neurological component driving the migraines.
Outcome: Migraines stabilized. Debilitating daily pain is addressed through treating the upper cervical instability.
Recovery from a rear-end collision with multiple cervical disc protrusions
Patient profile: A personal injury patient came in who had been rear-ended in a collision at a red light by a car going almost 60 miles an hour.
Diagnosis: Evaluation showed that whiplash of the cervical spine led to multiple disc protrusions. Muscles underwent physical changes from the traumatic injury.
Treatment: Chiropractic treatment to re-establish the curvature of the cervical spine. Decompression to reabsorb the disc protrusions. Muscle work to address the physical changes the muscles underwent from the trauma.
Outcome: The patient recovered almost fully to how he was before the injury.
Neck Pain Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Jasmine K Saleh
I was in need of a serious adjustment & Dr. K and his staff were absolutely wonderful to work with. They took me in the same day I called, within 10 min I was booked and, in the office...
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Denise
Just WOW! Everyone at California Oaks Chiropractic in Murrieta was just professional and very nice. I felt immediately comfortable. Dr. K was very easy to talk to and made me feel at ease...
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Abby Ngo
I had a great experience with Dr. K. This is top-notch chiropractic care! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, listened to, and well taken care of. Dr. K combines strong knowledge...
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Rick Scherer
My family and I have been seeing Dr. K for over 20 years, and I can't imagine going anywhere else. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family. The office staff is incredibly friendly...
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Sandra Guzman
If you are looking for a chiropractor with a lot of knowledge, friendly staff who feels like family, and an overall welcoming environment, this is your place! Dr. K has been vital in helping my husband and I...
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Lorretta Marcum
This morning I was lucky enough to see a Daphne! Oh my heavens do I feel 1000 x better!! Then I saw Dr. Chris for an adjustment and boy does he know his stuff got rid of my sciatica pain instantly...
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California Oaks Chiropractic provides specific and targeted treatment for neck pain, from cervical dysfunction to complex neurological conditions.
If you are experiencing neck pain, Dr. Phillip Vournazos can help identify the cause and create a personalized care plan.
Call (951) 698-2511 or book online using the booking tool below.
Patient FAQs About Neck Pain Treatment
Can chiropractic help chronic neck pain?
Yes. We treat patients from the most common presentation of text neck and computer syndrome all the way to specific diagnoses like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Parkinson’s, and MS. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to address the root cause of neck pain, such as muscle tension and misalignments, and treat it.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the severity of the damage. Severe cervical disc protrusions require an extensive treatment plan compared to an early-stage neck condition. The more specific and severe the condition, the more extensive the treatment plan.
Does neck pain treatment hurt?
Chiropractic care is designed to be comfortable and gentle. It is very specific and targeted to the exact cause, whether it is disc compression, joint dysfunction, or muscle adhesions and trigger points.
Does insurance cover neck pain treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Our staff can help verify benefits.
When to seek professional care for neck pain?
If you have numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the upper extremity, that is a sign of neurological compression that needs to be addressed. The longer it is left untreated, the greater the risk of permanent damage.
What are the long-term effects of ignoring neck pain treatment?
The neck feeds all of the nervous system through the rest of the body, coming directly from the brain. A problem in the neck can affect the entire body, including organs and the lower extremities. Neurological structures are the most delicate structures in the body. If left untreated, compression of these structures can lead to muscle weakness, tingling, atrophy, and permanent neurological damage.
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