Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints we see in clinic. In fact, most people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. The good news? In most cases, it’s very manageable with the right approach.

What Is Neck Pain?

Neck pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or soreness in the cervical spine — the top part of your spine that supports your head and allows movement in all directions.

Your neck is made up of:

● 7 cervical vertebrae

● Intervertebral discs

● Facet joints

● Muscles and ligaments

● Nerves

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain can develop suddenly or gradually. Common causes include:

● Poor posture

○ Prolonged sitting, forward head posture, and rounded shoulders (especially with desk work or phone use) increase stress on the neck.

● Sleeping position

○ Poor pillow support or awkward positioning overnight can trigger stiffness and pain.

● Muscle overload

○ Gym exercises, lifting, or repetitive tasks may overload neck and upper back muscles.

● Whiplash

○ Sudden acceleration/deceleration injuries (e.g., car accidents) can strain neck tissues.

● Age-related changes

○ Conditions such as cervical disc degeneration or facet joint irritation can contribute to persistent symptoms.

Often, neck pain isn’t caused by one single issue — it’s usually a combination of posture, load, stress, and movement patterns.

Common Symptoms

Neck pain can present in different ways:

● Stiffness or reduced movement

● Localised aching or sharp pain

● Headaches (often from upper neck joints)

● Pain spreading to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades

● Pins and needles or numbness (if a nerve is irritated)

● Dizziness in some cases

How All Care Physiotherapy Can Help

At All Care Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat the pain — we identify why it’s happening.

1. Thorough Assessment

We assess posture, joint mobility, muscle strength, movement control, and any nerve involvement.

2. Hands-On Treatment

Depending on findings, treatment may include:

● Joint mobilisation

● Soft tissue release

● Dry needling (if appropriate)

● Taping for support

3. Targeted Exercise

Exercise is key for long-term recovery. We prescribe:

● Deep neck flexor strengthening

● Scapular and upper back strengthening

● Postural retraining

● Mobility exercises

4. Education & Load Management

Understanding your pain reduces fear and helps recovery. We guide you on:

● Ergonomic setup

● Activity modification

● Sleep positioning

● Gradual return to gym or sport

Research consistently shows that a combination of manual therapy and exercise provides the

best outcomes for neck pain.

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider seeing a physiotherapist if:

● Pain lasts more than a few days

● It keeps returning

● You have headaches associated with neck stiffness

● You notice arm pain, numbness, or weakness

● It is affecting work, sleep, or daily function

Early management often leads to faster recovery.

Need help with neck pain?

Neck pain is common — but it doesn’t have to become chronic. With the right assessment, targeted treatment, and active rehabilitation, most people recover well and regain confidence in movement.

If you’re experiencing neck pain or recurring stiffness, we’re here to help you move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what you enjoy.

Book online or call the clinic today on 3112 7700 to book an appointment.