Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Neck Pain Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
A stiff, sore neck can make everything from driving to sleeping uncomfortable. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Devine evaluates the neck along with the upper back and shoulders, since neck pain often starts somewhere else. Learn how neck pain care works at our Lake Oswego clinic and what to expect at your first visit.
Why necks get sore
Neck pain often comes from a stiff upper back, a shoulder that does not move well, long hours of desk or phone posture, the lingering effects of an old injury, or symptoms that show up after a car accident. Sleeping position and stress can add to the tension.
Symptoms to watch for
- Stiffness or pain when turning your head
- Tight muscles across the shoulders and upper back
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull, which we discuss on our headaches and migraines page
- Tingling or pain that travels into the arm
- Soreness that appears a day or more after a collision, often called whiplash
How the exam works
Dr. Devine checks neck motion one segment at a time, looks at your posture, and screens for referred pain from the upper back or shoulder. X-rays are taken only when there is a trauma history or another specific reason.
What care can include
Treatment usually includes cervical adjustments, sometimes combined with work in the upper back or around the shoulder blade, plus posture retraining and exercises. Early visits focus on easing discomfort and restoring motion, and later visits emphasize strengthening so the neck stays comfortable. Our shoulder pain care and rehab options support this when the shoulders are part of the picture.
Daily habits that reduce neck strain
- Raise your screen to eye level and bring your phone up instead of looking down
- Take a movement break every 30 to 45 minutes
- Use a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position
- Avoid carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your neck pain began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer.
When to get medical care first
Seek urgent care for neck pain with sudden severe headache, fever with stiff neck, loss of consciousness, weakness spreading into the arms or legs, or after a serious fall or accident.
Common questions
Is neck adjustment safe?
Dr. Devine screens each patient first and chooses a technique that fits your history and comfort. If anything on your exam suggests you need a medical workup, we refer you before care begins.
Can desk work cause neck pain?
Yes. Prolonged forward posture and phone use are common contributors. Care often includes posture coaching and simple workstation changes.
Do you treat neck pain after a car accident?
Yes. See our pages on whiplash and car accident care.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: headaches and migraines, whiplash, shoulder pain and pinched nerve. Read more on the main clinic site: how desk work reshapes your spine (tech neck). We also offer Erchonia laser therapy when it fits your plan. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.