What is Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a condition that affects most people in their 30s and 40s. In most cases, neck pain is not caused by a serious problem. Around half of people with neck pain will experience a recurrence, hence it is important to understand the cause of the pain to try and prevent it from returning. Neck pain is often used as an umbrella term for discomfort that can start in the neck and radiate to other areas of the body, sometimes causing sharp sensations, dull aching or stiffness.
What causes Neck Pain?
In most cases, it is extremely challenging to identify the exact cause of neck pain. However, it is important to know that any kind of serious structural damage is rare and the most likely cause is a strain of one of the small joints located on the side of the neck. These joints are called ‘facet joints’.
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to neck pain. These can include:
- Poor quality and quantity of sleep
- Noticing more tension in your neck
- Low levels of physical activity
- More stressful periods of life
There is also increasing evidence that posture plays a much smaller role in neck problems than previously thought. While there is no clear relation between poor posture and pain, what does appear to contribute to neck pain is a sedentary lifestyle where our bodies are held in sustained positions for extended periods, such as sitting at an office desk or watching TV on the sofa. If you work at a computer, its recommended to have a workstation assessment to help prevent neck pain.
Although neck pain is not indicative of a serious or life-threatening condition, if you also experience these very rare symptoms, you should contact a doctor.
- Severe head, neck, or arm pain that is constant or disturbs sleep
- Weakness and loss of feeling in the arms or legs
- A history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, tuberculosis, drug abuse, AIDS or other infection
- If you feel unwell, have a fever or unexplained weight loss
- A history of violent trauma or a history of neck surgery
Neck Pain Physio Treatment
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for neck pain. It is used to managed conditions in three broad categories such as musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological.
Physiotherapy is a very effective treatment option for neck pain relief. It is non-invasive and provides lasting results as it addresses the symptoms and underlying causes of pain or injury. Through targeted exercises and stretches, physiotherapy can help you regain range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the neck, improving stability and reducing the risk of future injuries.
A wide range of techniques can help. This includes:
Mobilisation exercises that stretch tight muscles and joints – These exercises gently move the neck through its natural range of motion, helping to loosen up tight muscles and stiff joints. They improve flexibility, ease tension, and make everyday movements like turning your head or looking up and down feel more comfortable.
Functional and rehabilitative exercises – These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support your neck and shoulders, helping to improve stability and prevent future pain. They often mimic everyday activities, making it easier for you to return to normal tasks without discomfort or stiffness.
Taping which stabilises the shoulder joint – Applying supportive tape around the shoulder can help take pressure off the neck by improving posture and muscle activation. It provides gentle support, reduces strain, and can be particularly helpful for people who experience pain due to poor shoulder positioning or weakness.
Postural assessment – A physiotherapist will assess how you hold your head, neck, and shoulders throughout the day, whether sitting, standing, or working at a desk. They’ll identify areas of tension or misalignment and recommend strategies to reduce strain and prevent unnecessary tension from building up.
Electrotherapy and heat treatment – Treatments like ultrasound, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and heat therapy can help relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. These methods are often used alongside exercises to speed up recovery and make movement feel easier.
Reducing your pain, enhancing your mobility and strength, and improving your everyday function are all goals of physiotherapy. Treatment will often begin with an initial assessment where our physiotherapists will find out the cause of your pain, your lifestyle, and your medical history before determining a plan that will strengthen your neck muscles to prevent recurring issues.
A series of physical tests might be performed as part of your assessment to rule out other potentially involved structures and gain a greater understanding of your physical abilities to help facilitate an accurate diagnosis.
Our Expert Team of Physiotherapists
Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to recovery and rehabilitation, providing long-term relief and lasting improvements. It helps strengthen your body, enabling you to manage physical activities with greater ease.
With 9 clinics across the UK and decades of experience, we’re proud to be your trusted local physiotherapy provider. Our team of fully trained and qualified physiotherapists are here to assess, diagnose, and treat your injuries, taking the time to understand your pain and support you in reaching your goals. Book an appointment today, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.