Neck pain can range from a nagging ache at the end of the working day to a neck so stiff you cannot turn to check your blind spot. It can also spread to the shoulders and arms or cause headaches.
Common causes
- Long periods looking at a laptop or phone
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Muscle tension, often linked to stress
- Stiff or irritated joints in the neck
- Injury, such as whiplash after a car accident
- Age-related wear in the neck, which often causes stiffness
How we treat neck pain
- Gentle joint mobilisation to restore movement
- Soft tissue massage for tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Acupuncture or dry needling for pain and muscle tension
- Exercises for neck movement and deep neck and upper-back strength
- Practical advice on posture, screens, pillows and breaks
Arm pain, pins and needles
If pain, tingling or numbness travels into your arm, a nerve in the neck may be irritated. We check your nerves as part of the assessment and will tell you if you need to see a doctor.
When to seek urgent help
Go to A&E or call 999 if neck pain follows a significant fall or accident, or comes with weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, a sudden severe headache, or fever with a stiff neck and a rash.
Book neck pain physiotherapy in Ilford.
Common questions
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Yes. Tension in the neck and upper back can cause headaches, often at the back of the head or behind the eyes. Treating the neck often helps.
What is the best sleeping position for neck pain?
On your back or side with a pillow that keeps your neck level with the rest of your spine. Sleeping on your front twists the neck and often makes pain worse.
Is my desk set-up causing my neck pain?
It can contribute. Screen height, chair position and long periods without moving all play a part. We give practical advice for your set-up.
When should I worry about neck pain?
Seek urgent help if neck pain follows a significant injury, or comes with arm weakness, problems walking, a severe headache unlike any you have had, fever or a stiff neck with a rash.
Last updated .