Neck Strain Treatment
Neck strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in the neck, usually caused by overstretching, a sudden movement or sustained poor posture. It can make simple things like checking your blind spot, looking down at your phone or getting comfortable in bed surprisingly painful. Most neck strains respond well to the right treatment, and the sooner you start, the quicker things tend to settle.
How Does a Neck Strain Happen?
Sometimes there’s a clear moment. Maybe you were jolted in a car accident, landed awkwardly during sport or turned your head too sharply. Whiplash is one of the most common causes, as the neck is forced beyond its normal range in a split second.
Just as often, it builds up gradually. Hours hunched over a laptop, sleeping on an unsupportive pillow or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can overload the muscles at the back and sides of the neck until they become irritated, which is one of the most common causes of ongoing neck pain.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain and tightness that gets worse with movement
- Muscle spasm across the neck and tops of the shoulders
- Difficulty turning or tilting your head
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull, sometimes linked to cervicogenic headaches
If you have numbness, pins and needles or weakness in your arms, get this checked promptly.
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Our Treatment for Neck Strain
In the early days, the aim is to settle pain and keep you moving gently. Our physios will advise on activity, heat and sleeping position so the neck doesn’t stiffen up. Physiotherapy then uses manual therapy to restore movement in the joints and muscles, followed by a progressive exercise plan to strengthen the deep neck and upper back muscles that support your head.
Massage therapy is particularly helpful for easing muscle spasm and tension across the neck and shoulders. If your strain happened during sport, sports therapy helps rebuild strength, control and confidence so you can return to training without a flare-up. We’ll also look at your workstation set-up and daily habits, because small changes there often make the biggest difference.
Most mild neck strains improve within a few weeks. More significant injuries such as whiplash can take longer, but steady progress is normal with the right plan.
“I saw John for the last few weeks, at the Congleton clinic, regarding a neck injury I sustained at the gym. John made you feel at ease from the start and really took the time to assess the issue. He was professional, highly knowledgeable, provided guidance for further aftercare, including exercises/stretching and would recommend him to anyone!” Jessica Cardall – Congleton
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
Book your appointment now or contact your nearest True Physio clinic to discuss how we can help.
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