Feeling a sharp or stiff pain when you turn your neck is a common experience — but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my neck hurt when I look left or right?” you’re definitely not alone. At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, located in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station, we frequently see New York City patients struggling with neck pain tied to everyday life.
Let’s go over the most common causes of neck pain when turning your head and how chiropractic care can help you find relief.
Common Reasons Why Your Neck Hurts When You Turn It
1. Muscle Strain or Tension
The most common culprit is a simple muscle strain.
This can happen from:
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Working long hours at a computer (very common in Midtown NYC)
- Holding your phone between your ear and shoulder
- Poor posture, especially from looking down at your phone (“tech neck”)
When the muscles on one side of your neck are tight or inflamed, turning your head pulls on them — causing sharp or aching pain.
2. Joint Dysfunction
The neck is made up of small joints called facet joints. If one of these joints gets stuck, inflamed, or irritated, it can cause localized pain when you turn in that direction.
This is often described as a “catch” or “pinch” feeling on one side.
3. Herniated Disc or Bulging Disc
Discs are the cushions between your vertebrae. If one bulges or herniates, it can press on nerves that supply your neck and arms. Turning your head may worsen this pressure, causing sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.
4. Pinched Nerve
If a nerve gets compressed — whether from a herniated disc, misaligned vertebrae, or muscle tension — you might feel pain that radiates from your neck down into your shoulder, arm, or even fingers.
In a high-stress city like NYC, nerve compression from tight muscles is more common than you might think.
5. Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)
Over time, wear and tear on the cervical spine can lead to arthritis. This can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain when moving your neck, particularly first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting.
6. Injury (Whiplash or Sports Injury)
Past traumas, even mild ones like a minor car accident or a quick jolt during exercise, can cause lingering neck pain. Whiplash injuries, for example, can make turning your head painful for weeks or even months if untreated.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Neck Pain
At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, we focus on finding and treating the root cause of your neck pain — not just masking it.
Chiropractic care can:
- Realign the spine to reduce pressure on joints and nerves
- Relax tight muscles through manual therapy and targeted stretching
- Improve joint mobility to prevent future flare-ups
- Promote better posture so daily activities don’t keep straining your neck
We use precise, gentle techniques to safely adjust the cervical spine. Many of our Midtown NYC patients feel relief even after their first session.
Questions People Commonly Ask About Neck Pain
Is it normal for my neck to hurt when I turn my head?
It’s common — but it’s not “normal.” If the pain persists for more than a few days, or if it gets worse, it’s a sign that something needs attention.
Can chiropractic adjustments fix neck pain?
In many cases, yes. Chiropractic care is highly effective at treating mechanical issues like joint dysfunction, muscle tension, and nerve irritation that cause neck pain.
How do I know if my neck pain is serious?
If you experience neck pain along with numbness, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty walking, seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, persistent or recurring neck pain should be evaluated by a professional.
Why Choose UNITY Chiropractic Wellness for Neck Pain?
At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, we understand how disruptive neck pain can be — especially when you’re navigating a busy life in New York City.
Our Midtown Manhattan clinic near Grand Central Station makes it easy for you to access personalized, expert chiropractic care without derailing your day.
We believe in not just relieving your pain, but teaching you how to prevent it from coming back through better posture, smarter habits, and regular maintenance care.
If you’re tired of wincing every time you turn your head, contact UNITY Chiropractic Wellness today. Let’s get you back to moving freely and living comfortably.