Neck Pain Treatment in Provo, Utah
Structural evaluation and hands-on chiropractic care for cervical spine pain — serving Utah County since 1999.
Understanding Neck Pain
Neck pain affects up to 70% of adults at some point in their life. The cervical spine houses the spinal cord, eight cervical nerve roots, and the vertebral arteries — making it one of the most functionally critical and mechanically complex regions of the body.
Common causes include cervical disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, ligament instability (particularly following whiplash), muscle strain, degenerative disc disease, and poor postural mechanics. Because the cervical nerve roots supply the arms, shoulders, and hands, neck problems frequently cause symptoms far from the neck itself.
Our Cervical Spine Approach
Motion X-Ray (DMX) Evaluation
Dynamic motion X-ray is the gold standard for identifying cervical ligament instability — the most commonly missed finding after neck injuries. Static imaging cannot show this; only real-time video fluoroscopy captures abnormal segmental motion under load.
Cervical Adjustments
Targeted mobilization and manipulation of restricted cervical segments restores normal range of motion, reduces inflammatory mediator activity in facet joints, and normalizes mechanoreceptor signaling that drives referred pain patterns into the head and arms.
MRI Interpretation
Our doctors review MRI series directly — not just the radiologist summary — using fellowship-level training and AI-assisted analysis to identify disc herniation levels, foraminal narrowing, cord signal changes, and ligament disruption.
FSBT-Trained Cervical Spine Specialists
The Fellowship in Spinal Biomechanics and Trauma (FSBT) includes advanced training in cervical spine mechanics, ligament injury assessment, and MRI interpretation — skills not taught in standard chiropractic programs. This training makes Drs. McClean uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat complex cervical spine conditions.
McClean Chiropractic has served Provo and Utah County since 1999. When cervical conditions require surgical consultation or interventional pain management, we have established referral relationships with the appropriate specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neck pain cause arm pain and numbness?
Yes. Cervical nerve root compression (cervical radiculopathy) from a herniated disc or bone spur causes pain, numbness, and weakness that travel down the arm. C6 nerve involvement produces symptoms in the thumb and index finger; C7 affects the middle finger; C8 affects the ring and pinky fingers. Identifying the exact level guides specific treatment.
Is chiropractic safe for neck pain?
Yes, when performed by trained practitioners following proper examination. We conduct a thorough evaluation before any cervical treatment, including screening for contraindications. Fellowship training includes advanced cervical safety protocols.
My neck has been hurting for years — is it too late?
Chronic neck pain often responds well to care that addresses the underlying mechanical dysfunction. Even long-standing problems can improve significantly when the structural cause is identified and treated — not just the symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
Hoving et al., 2002
A randomized controlled trial in Annals of Internal Medicine (n=183) found manual therapy produced faster recovery from neck pain than physical therapy or continued GP care, with significantly greater improvement in pain, disability, and patient satisfaction at 7 weeks and maintained at 12 months.
Bronfort et al., 2012
An Annals of Internal Medicine RCT comparing spinal manipulative therapy, supervised exercise, and medication for acute/subacute neck pain found that spinal manipulation produced superior pain reduction at 12 weeks and at 12 months compared to medication — without medication’s side effect profile.
Hurwitz et al., 1996
A systematic review in Spine found convincing evidence for the short-term effectiveness of spinal manipulation and mobilization for acute and chronic neck pain, with benefit across multiple outcome measures including pain intensity, range of motion, and disability scores.
References
- Hoving JL, et al. Manual therapy, physical therapy, or continued care by a general practitioner for patients with neck pain. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(10):713-722.
- Bronfort G, et al. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156(1):1-10.
- Hurwitz EL, et al. Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine: a systematic review of the literature. Spine. 1996;21(15):1746-1759.