Chiropractor for neck pain & headaches
Stiff neck, tight shoulders or headaches that start at the base of your skull? Dr. Ling finds what's driving it and treats it, starting at your first visit.
Does this sound like you?
- Your neck is stiff, and shoulder-checking while driving hurts
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull or behind the eyes, often after desk work
- Tight, achy shoulders and upper back
- Pain or tingling running into your arm
- Neck pain after a car accident (ICBC covers it)
What's usually causing it
Most neck pain and many headaches come from stiff neck joints and overworked muscles, from long hours at a screen, stress, sleep position or a jaw that clenches. Arm pain or tingling can mean a nerve in the neck is irritated. After a crash, whiplash strains the same tissues.
Go to emergency right away for a sudden, severe headache, a headache after a head injury, headache with fever and a stiff neck, or new weakness, numbness, vision changes, or trouble speaking or swallowing.
How Dr. Ling treats it
- Assessment (30 minutes). Your history, a movement and nerve exam of the neck, upper back and shoulders, a clear explanation, and your first treatment.
- Hands-on treatment. Soft tissue therapy (MRT and ART) on tight neck and shoulder muscles, plus adjustments or gentle mobilization of the neck and upper back when they're right for you.
- Exercises and self-care. Exercises to support your recovery, and simple self-release techniques Dr. Ling teaches you to use at home between visits. See headaches from desk work.
- Keep it from coming back. A look at your desk setup, phone habits and pillow, and a plan for movement breaks.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what's causing your pain and how long you've had it. After your assessment, Dr. Ling gives you a plan with an expected number of visits, then re-checks your progress along the way. Follow-up visits are 15 minutes, so they fit around work.
Cost and coverage
- Extended health: most plans cover chiropractic and are billed directly. Insurance & billing
- Car accident? ICBC covers your care at $0 to you. ICBC care
- Hurt at work? WorkSafeBC is billed directly at Marpole and Hartwell (Ontario St). WorkSafeBC care
- Fees vary by clinic and are shown when you book online.
"After my accident… I suffered from headaches and dizziness, but his treatments were very gentle. After a few sessions my neck wasn't as tight and my headaches reduced significantly."
Gracia Chung, Google review
Common questions
Are neck adjustments safe?
Neck adjustments have been studied extensively and serious complications are rare. Dr. Ling screens every patient first. If you'd rather not have your neck adjusted, just say so: soft tissue work and gentle mobilization work well too.
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
For tension-type and neck-related headaches, often yes. If your headaches need a medical workup, Dr. Ling will refer you.
Do I need an X-ray first?
Usually not. Most neck pain can be assessed and treated without imaging. If something in your exam needs a closer look, Dr. Ling will refer you.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book directly with Dr. Ling.
Book an assessment
Choose the clinic closest to you. Online booking shows Dr. Ling's live availability.
Marpole Chiropractic
8289 Granville St (at 66th Ave), Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z6
Free street parking nearby.
Hartwell Therapy, Ontario St
8205 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC
Book with Dr. Ling through Hartwell's online booking.
Ironwood Chiropractic
165-11720 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC
Ironwood books its own appointments. Visit their site or call the clinic.
Dr. Ling's hours change week to week at each clinic. Online booking always shows his real availability. Can't find a time? Call and we'll try to fit you in, or join the wait list when you book.