Neck Pain

What Causes Neck Pain?

The cervical spine (neck) is a remarkably mobile structure that supports the weight of your head while allowing movement in all directions. This mobility makes it susceptible to pain from a variety of causes — poor posture, muscle tension, joint stiffness, disc problems, nerve irritation, and trauma such as whiplash. Neck pain can also cause headaches, shoulder pain, and arm symptoms. Understanding the specific cause is essential for effective treatment.

Effective Neck Pain Treatment

My approach to neck pain combines gentle manual therapy to reduce pain and restore movement with targeted exercises to strengthen the deep neck muscles that provide stability. I also address contributing factors such as workplace ergonomics, sleeping position, and stress-related muscle tension. For those with whiplash or cervicogenic headaches, I use specific treatment protocols supported by clinical research. Most neck pain responds very well to physiotherapy, with significant improvement typically seen within a few sessions.

Common Symptoms

• Stiffness and difficulty turning the head
• Pain at the base of the skull or behind the eyes
• Headaches originating from the neck
• Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
• Pins and needles or numbness in the arm or hand
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or screen use

How I Treat It

• Cervical joint mobilisation
• Deep neck flexor strengthening
• Soft tissue release and trigger point therapy
• Postural correction and ergonomic advice
• Whiplash-specific rehabilitation protocols
• Headache management techniques

What to Expect

• Thorough neck and upper body assessment
• Neurological screening if arm symptoms present
• Gentle manual therapy from the first session
• Targeted strengthening exercises
• Workplace and ergonomic advice
• Self-management strategies for long-term relief