Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common problem, particularly for people who spend long periods working at a desk, but it should not simply be accepted as an inevitable consequence of modern working habits. Mechanical neck pain, stiffness and headaches originating from the neck can often respond well to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists regularly treat a wide range of neck-related conditions. We assess your symptoms and contributing factors before developing an individualised treatment plan designed to restore movement and support long-term recovery.
Symptoms you may recognise
Neck pain can present in a number of different ways. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent ache or discomfort across the neck and into the tops of the shoulders
- Sharp or shooting pain when turning or moving the head
- Restricted neck movement, particularly when looking over one shoulder
- Numbness or pins and needles extending into the arm or fingers
- Neck and shoulder tension that gradually increases throughout the working day
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull and may be associated with neck stiffness
Whether your symptoms have developed gradually or followed a specific incident, understanding the underlying factors can be an important first step towards effective treatment.
Our chiropractic and physiotherapy services can help address pain, stiffness and restricted movement, while providing practical advice and exercises to support your recovery and reduce the likelihood of recurring symptoms.
Neck tension and cervicogenic headache
Neck tension and headaches often occur together. When the joints in the upper neck or the surrounding muscles become restricted, irritated or overloaded, pain can be referred into the head. This is known as a cervicogenic headache, meaning a headache that originates from the neck.
Cervicogenic headaches commonly begin at the base of the skull and may spread towards the forehead, temples or behind the eyes. Neck stiffness, reduced movement and tenderness around the upper neck and shoulders may also be present.
Tension-type headaches can occur alongside neck and shoulder tension. Prolonged desk work, sustained postures and stress can all contribute to increased muscle tension and discomfort.
If headaches or migraines are your main concern, visit our headaches and migraines page for more information about these conditions and their treatment.
Treatment for neck pain
Treatment for neck pain and stiffness depends on your symptoms, clinical assessment and individual needs. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists use a range of treatment approaches to help reduce pain, improve neck movement and support your recovery.
Chiropractic can be used to manage mechanical neck pain, restricted movement and cervicogenic headaches. Your treatment will be tailored to your symptoms and may include advice and exercises to support longer-term improvement.
Physiotherapy for neck pain focuses on improving the strength, mobility and endurance of the neck and upper back. Treatment may include manual therapy, targeted exercises and advice on posture, workstation set-up and everyday activities.
Acupuncture may be incorporated into treatment for musculoskeletal pain and tension-type headaches, depending on your individual assessment and treatment plan.
Massage therapy can help relieve muscular tension and discomfort in the neck and shoulders, including the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. It may be used alongside other treatments as part of a broader approach to managing neck pain.
What happens during a neck pain appointment?
Your appointment begins with a thorough assessment of your neck pain and symptoms. Your practitioner will assess the movement of your neck in different directions, examine the individual joints and surrounding muscles, and consider how your symptoms may be affected by posture, movement and everyday activities.
If you have neck pain with arm symptoms, such as pain, numbness or pins and needles, your assessment may also include neurological testing. This can involve checking your reflexes, sensation and muscle strength.
Where appropriate, treatment for neck pain can begin during your first appointment. As desk work, posture and screen set-up can contribute to neck pain and stiffness, your practitioner may also provide practical advice on your workstation and daily habits.
If your symptoms also involve the shoulder, this will be assessed as part of your appointment. You can find more information on our shoulder and elbow pain page.
When to seek urgent medical advice for neck pain
Most cases of neck pain are not serious, but certain symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical advice if your neck pain follows a significant accident or blow to the head, or if it occurs alongside:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Fever and a stiff neck
- Unexplained weakness in the arms or legs
- New problems with speech, swallowing or vision
In these circumstances, contact NHS 111 or attend A&E for urgent assessment.
Who You Will See
Qualifications, registration numbers and clinical interests are set out on each team member’s profile.
Fees
Your first assessment is £99 for 45 minutes with a chiropractor or physiotherapist. If acupuncture or massage is recommended as part of your treatment plan, you can book a separate session with the relevant therapist. These sessions last one hour. Please see our fees page for follow-up appointment rates and treatment packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain
Is neck cracking safe?
Neck cracking, or cervical manipulation or adjustment, is a treatment technique used in chiropractic care. When appropriately assessed and performed by a qualified, regulated practitioner, cervical adjustments are generally considered safe for suitable patients. Your chiropractor will discuss the proposed treatment with you, including the potential benefits, risks and suitable alternatives, before proceeding.
Where appropriate, lower-force techniques or other treatment approaches may be considered based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Why does my neck hurt more at the end of the workday?
If your neck pain gets worse during the day, prolonged sitting and sustained desk or screen-based postures may be contributing to your symptoms. Holding the head and neck in one position for extended periods can place increased demands on the neck and upper back muscles.
Treatment may include manual therapy, exercises to improve strength and endurance, and practical advice about your desk setup, posture and working habits. Taking regular movement breaks can also help reduce the amount of time spent in a sustained position.
Can neck problems cause arm pain, tingling or numbness?
Yes. Neck problems can sometimes cause symptoms in the arm or hand. Irritation or compression of a nerve as it leaves the neck can result in pain, tingling, pins and needles or numbness that travels into the arm or hand.
If you have neck pain accompanied by arm symptoms, your practitioner will assess your reflexes, sensation and muscle strength as part of your examination. This helps determine the most appropriate next steps and whether further medical assessment may be required.
