Suffering From Neck Pain in Norwood MA?

While neck pain often resolves on its own, in some cases it can develop into a persistent condition known as chronic neck pain, or cervicalgia—defined as neck pain lasting longer than three months.

The neck and head are the topmost structures of the body. When the lower body is under strain—due to misalignment, tension, or weakness—that strain can be transferred upward to the neck and head. This happens when the lower structures are under tension because they are shifted and/or twisted into a weakened position. As the body compresses further, the distance between joints decreases, and the body creates muscle knots to shorten the muscles to fit the altered alignment. If this becomes deep and chronic enough, it can even lead to disc bulging and herniation.

From a postural and tension-based perspective, the neck often tightens and absorbs downward pressure from the head as the body attempts to stabilize itself against gravity. When chronic neck symptoms appear, it is usually a sign of a moderate to significant pulling pattern within the body—one that overwhelms the nervous system and triggers protective tension responses.

Dr. Smyth frequently observes what he refers to as “Hard Head Syndrome”—a condition where tissues of the head noticeably tighten, becoming rigid and unyielding due to imbalanced tension throughout the body. This state is often both palpable to the practitioner and clearly felt by the patient, reflecting how deeply the body’s tension patterns have shifted.

Gravity is constantly pushing down on us, and the body must work continuously to counter its effects. As the uppermost structures in the body, the head and neck play a crucial role in maintaining postural stability. In many ways, they function like a parking brake—or even an emergency brake—activating when the rest of the body can no longer support itself effectively.

When there is significant biomechanical weakness—whether from poor posture, injury, or long-term compensation—the neck muscles and nerves are forced to absorb the excess strain. Over time, this can overwhelm the system, leading to pain, tightness, and other chronic symptoms.

The QSM3 approach assesses and identifies the underlying stress problem by measuring your body's shifted and twisting postural holding pattern. Through full-spine imaging, Dr. Smyth can pinpoint areas where your body is holding structural stress and strain. This information allows him to develop a personalized plan to gently unwind these patterns.

As the body begins to release tension — particularly from the upper spine and skull — neurological strain is reduced. This often leads to quicker healing and less overwhelm in the head and neck regions. As tension moves downward, away from these sensitive areas, patients may experience noticeable relief and improved overall function.

Neck-related symptoms can range from moderate to severe and may require time and consistent care to resolve. Dr. Smyth’s goal is to understand the true cause of your symptoms, help you understand it as well, and treat it as effectively and efficiently as possible during each session.

Dr. Andy measures your body before and after every visit to evaluate progress and ensure care is as effective as possible. The more quickly and deeply he can unshift and untwist your body into a healthier position, the sooner you’ll experience the relief you’re looking for.