Question
Hi Dr. G.  I've written you before.  I had a C6C7 large disc herniation in January.  I have no nerve pain anymore, just pain at the base of my neck, occasionally. However, I've developed stiff neck muscles, even in the front and onto my face.  They get stiffer for 24 hrs. after a chiropractic adjustment.  I'm going twice a week.  Would you contribute this to too frequent adjustments or not frequent enough adj. or something else?  Is the joint or disc itself causing this?  It started at the beginning of March, before that I had very tight thoracic muscles.  Thank you for any help.

Answer
Joni,

Neck joint manipulation is supposed to make joints less stiff.  If all you are getting is joint manipulation, and the results each time are that you get stiffer for 24 hours, then the manipulation likely is not good for you.  Your chiropractor should know this.  I would suggest trying some heat, then myofascial therapy (Active Release or Graston Technique), then gentle mobilization with manual traction (unless you had surgery in January...).   You should leave the chiropractor's office feeling more limber - not stiffer.  

Dr. G