Chronic Neck Pain Treatment in New York City
A stiff, sore neck changes your whole day. It's hard to turn and check for traffic before you cross the street. It's hard to sleep, and hard to get through an afternoon at a screen. When neck pain lasts longer than about 12 weeks, it's called chronic. That's when it's worth looking into chronic neck pain treatment.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., treats long-standing neck problems in Murray Hill without cracking or twisting the neck. He uses gentle chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, and myofascial release. He has been a licensed chiropractor since 2000 and is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist.
Common causes of chronic neck pain
- Desk work, laptops, and looking down at a phone for hours
- An old whiplash from a car accident or a fall
- Clenching or grinding your teeth, or other jaw and TMJ problems
- Stress that settles into the neck and shoulders
- An old injury that never fully settled
Neck trouble can get stuck in a loop. The muscles tighten to protect a sore area. The tightness limits how far you can turn, and that keeps the pain going.
How chronic neck pain can feel
- Stiffness, or trouble turning your head fully to one side
- Pain that spreads into the shoulders or between the shoulder blades
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Aching that builds through the workday
How Dr. Kaminsky treats chronic neck pain
Many people worry about having their neck cracked. That doesn't happen here. Care is quiet and slow, and it often combines these methods in the same visit:
- Gentle chiropractic care: slow, light pressure to help the neck move more easily.
- Craniosacral therapy: still, light holds at the base of the skull and along the spine to help the nervous system settle and ease guarding.
- Myofascial release: gentle, sustained pressure on tight connective tissue in the neck and shoulders.
- The jaw: because jaw tension and neck pain often go together, the jaw may be part of your care.
- Home care: breathing exercises and self-care ideas to use between visits.
Home care between visits
What you do between visits matters too. Dr. Kaminsky teaches simple breathing techniques you can use at home. Slow breathing from the diaphragm can help the body let go of the guarding that keeps the neck and shoulders tight. He also gives self-care recommendations to use between visits.
Your neck, your jaw, and headaches
The neck, jaw, and head work as a team. Tight jaw muscles can pull on the neck. A stiff neck can feed tension headaches at the base of the skull. That's why care can include all three. If jaw pain is a big part of your story, see TMJ treatment. If headaches are, see migraine and headache treatment.
Screens, commutes, and a sore neck
A lot of neck trouble in Manhattan starts at a desk. Hours at a laptop, a second monitor set off to one side, and scrolling on the train all add up. Evening hours mean you can come after work.
Your first visit
Your first visit includes a hands-on exam and treatment in the same appointment. Plan for about 60 minutes. Dr. Kaminsky will ask about your history and any past injuries. He'll check your posture and how your neck turns and tilts.
What follow-up visits look like
Follow-up visits are about 40 minutes. Each one starts with how you've been since the last visit: how far you can turn, how you're sleeping, and whether headaches have changed. Then Dr. Kaminsky adjusts the hands-on work to match.
X-rays are not taken in the office. If Dr. Kaminsky thinks you need imaging, he will refer you for it.
When to see a doctor first
Get checked by a physician right away if you have:
- Neck pain that started after a serious fall or accident
- A stiff neck with a fever
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or hands that is getting worse
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Pain that is severe and keeps getting worse
This care is complementary. It works alongside your medical care, not in place of it, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Do you crack the neck?
No. Dr. Kaminsky never cracks or twists the neck. He uses slow, light pressure and still holds.
Is gentle neck care a good fit for older adults?
The pressure is light and nothing is forced, so it suits people of many ages. Dr. Kaminsky sees adults, children, and babies, and he adjusts each visit to your comfort.
What if the pain runs down my arm?
Pain, numbness, or tingling down the arm can come from an irritated nerve in the neck. Tell Dr. Kaminsky about it at your first visit. If it's getting worse, or you notice weakness, see a physician first.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Neck tension can play a part in some headaches, especially ones that start at the base of the skull. Care can include the neck, jaw, and head together. Learn more about headache treatment.
I had whiplash years ago. Can that still matter?
An old whiplash can leave lasting tension in the neck. Dr. Kaminsky will ask about past accidents and injuries at your first visit, so be ready to share them.
How many visits will I need?
Everyone is different. Dr. Kaminsky will have a better idea after your first session. It depends on your health history, your age, how long you've had the pain, and how your body responds.
How do I know if I'm a good fit?
Dr. Kaminsky only accepts patients he is confident he can help. Your first visit includes a full exam, and he will tell you honestly whether his care fits your situation.
What should I tell Dr. Kaminsky at my first visit?
Share when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any past accidents, injuries, or surgeries. Bring any imaging reports you have. The more he knows, the better he can shape your care.
Can I come after work?
Yes. The office is open until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday.
Where is the office?
36 East 36th Street, Suite 201, between Park and Madison Avenues in Murray Hill. It's a short walk from Grand Central. All visits are by appointment.
Do you take insurance?
No. You'll get an itemized superbill you can submit to your insurance plan. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
Book a visit
Call or text 212-328-1180 to book at the Murray Hill office, 36 East 36th Street, Suite 201.