New Research Reveals the Real Cause of Chronic Neck Pain (It’s Not What You Think)

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints today—but for many people, it never fully goes away.

You stretch. You rest. You try different treatments.

And yet, the pain keeps coming back.

So what’s actually causing it?

Forward head posture can cause headaches and pain in the neck and back.

The Research Is Starting to Tell a Different Story

A recent clinical study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine looked at something many people overlook:

Forward head posture (FHP)

Instead of just focusing on pain, researchers studied what happens when you actually correct the position of the head and neck.

Participants were divided into two groups:

• One group received standard care

• The other group received posture correction using cervical extension traction

After 6 weeks, the results became clear:

The posture correction group showed significantly greater improvements in alignment and symptom outcomes 

What This Means for Neck Pain

Even though the study focused on jaw dysfunction, the key takeaway is powerful:

The neck was the driver of change

When the structure of the neck improved, symptoms improved—even in areas like the jaw.

This reinforces something we see clinically every day:

Neck pain is often not just a muscle issue. It’s a structural problem

What Is Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)?

At C3, Dr. Patrick is certified in Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP)—one of the most research-based chiropractic techniques available.

CBP focuses on:

• Restoring normal spinal alignment

• Correcting forward head posture

• Using precise, measurable protocols

This includes:

• Mirror-image exercises

• Postural traction (like the one used in the study)

• Specific chiropractic adjustments

Chiropatrick Chiropractic Clinic (C3), Falmouth, ME

Why This Approach Is Different

Most treatments aim to reduce pain.

CBP aims to: Correct the cause of the pain

That’s a big difference.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?”

In the study, patients didn’t see major differences at 3 weeks—but by 6 weeks, the group correcting posture showed significantly better results. This tells us something important: real structural change takes time—but it’s worth it.

The Takeaway

If your neck pain keeps returning, it may not be because treatment “isn’t working.”

It may be because the underlying posture hasn’t been corrected

At C3 – Chiropatrick Chiropractic Center

We specialize in structural correction using CBP protocols to create long-term results—not temporary relief.

📞 (207) 781-2003