Neck pain is extremely common. Most of us will experience it at some point, whether it is a stiff neck after a bad night's sleep, tension from long hours at a desk, or pain that spreads into the shoulder and down the arm. Over the years we have helped hundreds of clients with neck pain and cervical nerve pain, and the vast majority recover well with the right care.
Common types of neck pain
- Mechanical neck pain: pain and stiffness from the joints, discs and muscles of the neck, often linked to posture, sustained positions, stress or a sudden movement
- Cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve): irritation of a nerve root in the neck, causing pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand
- Whiplash: neck pain after a car accident or sudden jolt
- Neck-related headaches: headaches that start in the neck and spread to the head
What is cervical radiculopathy?
When a nerve in the neck is compressed or inflamed, often by a disc bulge or age-related narrowing around the nerve, symptoms travel down the arm. The arm pain is often worse than the neck pain itself. Many people find it eases when they rest their hand on top of their head. Although it can be very painful, most cases improve over weeks to months with conservative care, without the need for surgery.
How physiotherapy helps
Your first appointment includes a detailed assessment of your neck, shoulders, upper back and nerves, including strength, sensation and reflexes. Treatment may include:
- Hands-on therapy such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to ease pain and stiffness
- Dry needling for muscle tension, where appropriate
- Specific exercises to strengthen the deep neck and shoulder blade muscles
- Nerve mobility exercises for arm symptoms
- Workstation and posture advice, including ergonomic assessments if you spend long hours at a desk
- A plan to prevent flare-ups once you are feeling better
Warning signs to look out for
See your GP or go to an emergency department promptly if neck pain comes with any of the following:
- Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons or handwriting, or problems with balance and walking
- Weakness that is getting worse
- Neck pain after a significant fall or accident
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain at night that does not ease
- Dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing
Neck pain does not have to be something you put up with. Book an appointment with our team. No referral is needed. Read more about how we treat neck pain.
Information on this page is general and does not replace individual medical or physiotherapy advice. Your clinician will explain the most appropriate options after assessing you.
