The neck carries the weight of your head all day and takes a lot of strain from desk work, driving, phone use and contact sport. Neck pain is common and usually mechanical.

We look at the neck, upper back and shoulders together, because problems in one often show up as pain in another.

Practitioner assessing a patient’s neck

Common causes

  • Muscle strain and tension from posture or sleep position
  • Stiff or irritated joints in the neck and upper back
  • Whiplash from a car accident, tackle or fall
  • Nerve irritation causing pain, tingling or weakness into the arm
  • Tension-type or neck-related headaches

How we treat it

Depending on your findings, treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation or adjustment, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your neck. We also look at workstation set-up and sleep position.

For athletes and contact sport

After a heavy tackle or collision, neck pain and stiffness are common. If you also have headache, dizziness or arm symptoms, get a medical assessment before returning to contact sport.

What to expect at your first visit

The first appointment is 45 minutes. See what happens at your first visit.

  • A conversation about what happened, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to
  • A hands-on examination of the painful area and the joints and muscles around it
  • A clear explanation of what we find and what we recommend, including how long it may take
  • Treatment at the first visit when it is appropriate, plus exercises to take home