Why Does My Neck Hurt?
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see in clinic — and it’s no surprise. Our modern lifestyles are full of postural challenges, long hours at desks, and stress that tends to settle right between the shoulders.
Whether your pain has crept in gradually or appeared suddenly, the good news is physiotherapy can help — both in relieving pain and preventing future episodes.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
1. Poor Posture
Spending long hours hunched over a desk, scrolling on your phone, or driving can place extra strain on the muscles and joints of the neck. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, tightness, and pain.
2. Muscle Tension and Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause us to unconsciously clench or tighten our neck and shoulder muscles. This prolonged tension often leads to discomfort and reduced mobility.
3. Joint Stiffness or Arthritis
The joints in the neck (cervical spine) can become stiff or degenerate over time, leading to inflammation, reduced movement, and pain. This is especially common with age or after injury.
4. Acute Injuries
Whiplash from car accidents, sporting injuries, or even a fall can cause strain or sprain to the neck structures, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.
5. Nerve Irritation or Compression
Herniated discs or narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves in the neck, often causing pain that radiates into the arm or shoulder, accompanied by tingling or weakness.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy offers targeted, evidence-based strategies to relieve neck pain and restore function. Here’s how:
✅ Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis: We will assess your posture, movement, strength, and joint mobility to identify the root cause of your neck pain — not just treat the symptoms.
✅ Hands-On Treatment: Techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and dry needling (if appropriate) can help reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and ease pain.
✅ Postural and Movement Education: Learning how to sit, move, and work with better posture can prevent ongoing strain and help maintain results. Small changes can make a big difference.
✅ Targeted Exercise Program: Strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to your needs can improve muscle balance and support your neck.
✅ Ergonomic Advice: If your neck pain is related to your workstation setup, a physiotherapist can offer practical tips to improve your desk posture, screen height, and chair support.
When to See a Physio….
If your neck pain is:
- Lasting more than a few days,
- Reoccurring regularly,
- Causing headaches, numbness, or tingling in your arms,
- Or stopping you from doing what you love,
…it’s worth getting it checked. Early treatment can prevent chronic pain and keep you moving well.
Neck pain doesn’t have to become your “new normal.”
With a personalised approach, physiotherapy can help you recover, build resilience, and move with more freedom.