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Targeted cervical chiropractic care from Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC — gentle, technique-specific adjustments to ease neck pain, stiffness, and the headaches that so often come with them.
Neck pain treatment at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale is led by Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC, who uses precise cervical Diversified adjustments to restore motion to stiff, irritated neck joints. Many people find their neck pain eases and their headache frequency drops over a focused course of care.
Your neck — the cervical spine — is built from seven vertebrae, C1 through C7, stacked to support the head while allowing a wide range of motion. When the small facet joints between these vertebrae lose normal movement, surrounding muscles tighten and nearby nerves can become irritated. This is a common driver of cervical pain, stiffness, and cervicogenic headaches — head pain that actually originates from dysfunction in the upper neck, particularly the C1–C3 segments.
A cervical chiropractic adjustment applies a controlled, specific force to a restricted joint to restore its normal motion, which can reduce muscle guarding and ease nerve irritation. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics has examined cervical spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache and reported reductions in headache frequency and intensity. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health similarly notes that spinal manipulation may help relieve neck pain. Dr. Kellerman evaluates which segments are involved before recommending any care.
Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving patients across Broward County. With 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kellerman has helped Fort Lauderdale residents move through their days with less neck pain and fewer headaches. Call (954) 561-4700 to schedule your evaluation.
Living with daily neck pain or headaches? Relief starts with one evaluation.
Neck pain rarely travels alone. Dr. Kellerman treats a range of related cervical and head conditions at the Fort Lauderdale practice, each evaluated individually before any treatment begins.
Stiffness, aching, and reduced range of motion are among the most common reasons people seek care. Causes range from desk work to disc wear and old injuries — including sports-related neck strain. Adjustments and traction restore comfortable movement.
Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck and refer pain into the head, often felt behind the eyes or at the skull base. They are frequently linked to upper cervical dysfunction or past trauma such as whiplash and cervical injuries. Restoring C1–C3 motion can reduce them.
While migraine is a neurological condition, neck dysfunction can act as a trigger for some people. Improving cervical alignment may reduce how often episodes occur when the neck contributes. See our dedicated Fort Lauderdale migraine and headache relief page.
Some dizziness and balance problems are cervicogenic — driven by impaired motion and sensory input from the upper neck. Gentle care may help by restoring normal cervical function. Because vertigo has many causes, learn more on our Fort Lauderdale vertigo and balance care page.
Hours spent looking down at phones and screens pull the head forward, overloading the cervical spine and supporting muscles. This “tech neck” pattern drives stiffness, pain, and headaches. Treatment pairs cervical adjustments with spinal alignment correction and posture retraining.
Neck pain care begins with a thorough evaluation of your cervical spine, posture, and movement. From there, Dr. Kellerman builds a plan from several proven methods:
Dr. Kellerman combines these methods based on your individual findings and reassesses as you improve. For necks whose pain is part of a wider spinal pattern, he may incorporate broader Fort Lauderdale chiropractic adjustments to support overall alignment.
Neck pain is most often caused by restricted cervical joints, muscle strain, poor posture, disc problems, or injuries like whiplash. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Kellerman examines your cervical spine, posture, and movement to identify the specific cause, since effective treatment depends on an accurate assessment.
Yes. Chiropractic care is a well-established, non-drug approach to neck pain. Dr. Kellerman uses cervical adjustments, traction, and rehabilitation to restore joint motion, reduce muscle tension, and ease discomfort. Many people in Fort Lauderdale experience improved neck mobility and fewer headaches within the first few weeks of a focused treatment plan.
A cervical adjustment is a precise, controlled movement applied by a chiropractor to a specific neck joint that has lost normal motion. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Kellerman uses the Diversified technique for these adjustments, with the goal of restoring mobility and reducing nerve and muscle irritation.
Cervical adjustments performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic are widely considered safe, and serious complications are very rare. Dr. Kellerman reviews your health history and screens for any conditions that require caution. When a gentler approach is appropriate, he uses the low-force Activator method instead of a manual adjustment.
Yes. Many headaches are cervicogenic, meaning they originate from dysfunction in the upper neck rather than the head itself. Irritated joints and muscles in the C1–C3 region can refer pain into the skull. By restoring normal cervical motion, chiropractic care at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale may reduce how often these headaches occur.
Sometimes. Dizziness has many causes, so accurate diagnosis matters. When symptoms stem from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine — called cervicogenic dizziness — gentle chiropractic care may help by restoring normal joint motion. Dr. Kellerman will assess whether your symptoms are neck-related and refer you to the appropriate specialist if another cause is suspected.
The number of visits varies with the cause and severity of your neck pain. Many people in Fort Lauderdale notice meaningful improvement within the first few weeks of care, and an initial plan often ranges from six to twelve visits. Dr. Kellerman reassesses your progress regularly and adjusts the plan as you improve.
Yes. When a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, it can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Dr. Kellerman examines your neck and nerve function at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale to identify the source.
Whether your neck pain is new or has lingered for years, Dr. Kellerman will evaluate your cervical spine and build a clear, individualized plan. Spine & Joint Center serves Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and communities across Broward County.
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC · May 2026
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.
