Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we treat at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine. From waking up with a stiff neck to chronic cervical pain from years of desk work, to post-car-accident whiplash — our chiropractors and physical therapist in East Liberty are experienced at identifying the root cause and delivering lasting relief.
What Causes Neck Pain?
The cervical spine is one of the most mechanically complex regions of the body. Common causes of neck pain include:
- Muscle Strain — Often from sleeping in an awkward position, sudden movement, or prolonged poor posture
- Text Neck / Forward Head Posture — A growing epidemic from hours of phone and computer use, which places enormous stress on the cervical spine
- Cervical Disc Herniation — A bulging or herniated disc in the neck compressing nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling into the arm
- Facet Joint Arthritis — Wear and tear of the cervical facet joints, causing deep aching or sharp pain with rotation
- Whiplash — Rapid acceleration-deceleration injury from a car accident damaging muscles, ligaments, and discs. See our car accident injury page
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome — Compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, causing neck and shoulder pain
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Neck Pain in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Physical Medicine offers a combined approach that is more effective than either chiropractic or PT alone:
- Cervical Spinal Manipulation — Gentle, targeted adjustment to restore normal motion in restricted cervical joints, reducing pain and improving range of motion quickly
- Cervical Mobilization — A gentler alternative to manipulation for patients who prefer non-thrusting techniques or have certain contraindications
- Manual Soft Tissue Therapy — Deep tissue work on the scalenes, SCM, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles that are typically involved in neck pain
- Dry Needling — Highly effective for reducing cervical muscle spasm and trigger points that refer pain into the head and shoulder
- Postural Rehabilitation — Exercises to strengthen the deep cervical flexors and thoracic extensors, correcting the forward head posture that drives chronic neck pain
- Ergonomic Assessment — Guidance on monitor height, keyboard position, and sitting habits to remove the daily mechanical stress perpetuating your pain
Neck Pain After a Car Accident in Pittsburgh
Whiplash injuries are a specialty at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine. If you were recently in a car accident and have neck pain, stiffness, or headaches, you need treatment as quickly as possible — preferably within 72 hours. Pennsylvania MedPay auto insurance covers our treatment with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Read more on our car accident injury treatment page or our whiplash blog post.
Neck Pain Specialists Near You in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Physical Medicine at 5916 Penn Ave is the closest highly rated neck pain clinic to:
- Shadyside — 0.8 miles from Walnut St
- Bloomfield — 1.1 miles from Liberty Ave
- Lawrenceville — 1.4 miles from Butler St
- Oakland — 2.0 miles, serving Pitt and UPMC staff
- Highland Park — 1.5 miles via Penn Ave
- Friendship — Less than 0.5 miles east on Penn Ave
- Point Breeze — 1.8 miles via Penn Ave
- Squirrel Hill — 2.2 miles via Forbes Ave
Insurance for Neck Pain Treatment in Pittsburgh
We accept UPMC Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare for neck pain treatment. No referral is required to start chiropractic care, and Pennsylvania allows 30 days of direct-access physical therapy. Call (412) 404-8337 to verify your benefits or book online to get started today.