Home Conditions treated Neck pain
Neck pain, without missing work
Yes. The office is open until 8 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so you can have your neck looked at after work. Dr. Casteel starts with your history and an exam to find what is behind it.
Short answers
-
Come after work
- Mon, Wed, Fri 9am–1pm
- Mon, Wed, Fri 3pm–8pm
-
Desk, sleep, posture or a crash
Neck pain often starts with posture, but muscle strain, discs, pinched nerves and car accidents are common causes too. Dr. Casteel looks for what is behind yours.
-
Insurance
Many plans, including Medicare, include chiropractic benefits. Call and we will check yours with you.
What causes neck pain, and when to get it checked
Plain answers to what people with a sore neck ask first.
-
What causes most neck pain?
Dr. Casteel says the most common cause of long-lasting neck pain today is poor posture, particularly a head carried forward from long stretches on a device, at a desk or driving.
Other common causes are spinal misalignments, muscle strain, a herniated disc in the neck, pinched nerves, whiplash from a car accident, degenerative disc disease, arthritis and sports injuries. At your first visit he does an exam to find what is contributing to yours before he plans your care.
-
When should I get my neck looked at?
Get it evaluated if your neck pain lasts more than a few days, does not ease with rest, gets worse over time, or comes with headaches, shoulder pain or arm symptoms such as tingling, numbness or weakness. Those signs can point to a structural problem, including nerve involvement.
Dr. Casteel recommends having them looked at early rather than waiting for them to become long-standing.
-
What if the pain runs into my shoulder, arm or hand?
Neck pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm or hand is often linked to a compressed or irritated nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy).
Dr. Casteel examines where your arm symptoms are coming from, then chooses the techniques for your care plan. They can include adjustments and soft tissue therapies.
-
What is “text neck”?
“Text neck” is neck strain from looking down at a phone or tablet for long stretches. Holding your neck bent forward for hours can build muscle tension and put stress on the joints and discs, and it can lead to neck pain, headaches and upper back discomfort.
Dr. Casteel’s care for it can include adjustments, Posture correction and strengthening exercises.
-
Can sleeping badly cause neck pain?
Yes. Sleeping on your stomach, or on a pillow that does not keep your neck in a neutral position, can strain the muscles and joints of the neck. That kind of neck pain tends to be worst in the morning and may ease through the day.
Dr. Casteel can advise you on sleep positions and pillows as part of your care.
-
Can stress cause neck pain?
Yes. Stress can show up as muscle tension, especially in the neck and upper back, with soreness, headaches and stiffness. Dr. Casteel combines chiropractic care with guidance on lifestyle and stress management (Lifestyle & Nutritional Advice).
-
For a stiff, sore neck from desk work, sleep or a fender bender. It starts with your history and an exam.
-
Neck adjustments. Dr. Casteel uses several techniques and chooses them to suit your condition and your comfort.
-
For aches that come from how you sit, stand or work.
-
Stretching & Strengthening Exercises
Neck stretches and strengthening exercises to go with your visits.
-
Soft tissue work on tight muscles and the tissue around them.
-
Lifestyle & Nutritional Advice
Guidance on sleep, stress and everyday habits.
Before you come in
What people ask about neck pain care.
How does chiropractic care help neck pain?
Dr. Casteel uses adjustments to the joints of the neck, along with other techniques chosen for your condition and your comfort. They are aimed at taking pressure off spinal nerves, easing muscle tension and improving how far your neck moves.
What should I expect before a neck adjustment?
Before any adjustment Dr. Casteel reviews your health history, your symptoms and your physical condition, so he can choose the most appropriate technique. He walks you through what to expect and answers your concerns before he starts.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on the cause, how severe it is and how long you have had it. Neck pain from a recent strain may need a shorter course than long-standing pain with disc or degenerative changes. Dr. Casteel outlines a care plan at your first visit, checks your progress regularly and adjusts the plan as needed.
What can I do at home?
Between visits Dr. Casteel may recommend ice or heat as directed, specific neck stretches and strengthening exercises from your program, changes to your workstation, better sleep positions, stress reduction and regular movement breaks.
Being mindful of your posture during screen time and driving, and taking regular breaks from screens, are among the daily habits he points to to support your recovery.
How do I set up a visit after work?
Call (814) 235-9400. The front desk finds a time that fits around your work. The office is open until 8 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The front desk at the office, where your visit starts.
Your first visit, step by step
New to chiropractic? Here is what happens, from the phone call to your talk with Dr. Casteel.
- 1
Call the front desk
They find a time that fits around your work, answer insurance questions and tell you what to bring. (814) 235-9400
- 2
Bring your insurance card
If you were hurt in a car accident, bring your auto claim details too.
- 3
History and exam
Dr. Casteel reviews your history and examines you.
- 4
Your options
Dr. Casteel talks through your options with you.
Insurance, in plain words
Coverage depends on your plan. Call and we'll check yours with you.
| How you might pay | What we can tell you |
|---|---|
| Health insurance | Many major commercial plans include chiropractic benefits. |
| Medicare | Many plans, including Medicare, include chiropractic benefits. Call and we'll help you check yours. |
| Auto insurance (PIP) after an accident | Many plans, including auto PIP, include chiropractic benefits. Call and we'll help you check yours, and have your claim details handy. |
| Which plans we take, and visit prices | The front desk can tell you which plans the office takes and what a visit costs. Call (814) 235-9400. |
- Health insurance
- Many major commercial plans include chiropractic benefits.
- Medicare
- Many plans, including Medicare, include chiropractic benefits. Call and we'll help you check yours.
- Auto insurance (PIP) after an accident
- Many plans, including auto PIP, include chiropractic benefits. Call and we'll help you check yours, and have your claim details handy.
- Which plans we take, and visit prices
- The front desk can tell you which plans the office takes and what a visit costs. Call (814) 235-9400.
What people ask before they call
Can I come in after work?
Yes. These are the office hours:
- Mon, Wed, Fri 9am–1pm
- Mon, Wed, Fri 3pm–8pm
Do you treat injuries from car accidents?
Yes. Dr. Casteel offers Accident Injury Treatments and Whiplash Treatment. Call and we'll check your auto coverage with you.
Will you take x-rays?
Dr. Casteel reviews your history and examines you, and takes x-rays if they're needed.
Do you see children or pregnant patients?
The office lists Pediatric Chiropractic Care and Treatments During Pregnancy among its services. Call first and the front desk can tell you more.
Do you offer more than adjustments?
Yes: Myofascial Release, Trigger point therapy, Stretching & Strengthening Exercises and Lifestyle & Nutritional Advice.
Where to find us, and when
Casteel Chiropractic
1411 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803
Hours
- Mon, Wed, Fri 9am–1pm
- Mon, Wed, Fri 3pm–8pm
Sore neck? Call.
The front desk finds a time after work and answers insurance questions. Open until 8 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.