Neck Pain

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. It can cause stiffness, aching, sharp pain, or limited movement that interferes with work, exercise, and daily life. Conservative, non-invasive care such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of your back pain.

What Is Neck Pain?

Neck pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or dysfunction involving the cervical spine (neck), surrounding muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, and nerves. Because the neck supports the weight of the head and allows for a wide range of movement, it is particularly vulnerable to strain, injury, and irritation.

Neck pain may be felt:

At the base of the skull or along the sides of the neck
Across the shoulders or upper back
Radiating into the arms or hands
As headaches behind the eyes or at the back of the head

Neck pain may develop:

Acutely after trauma (e.g., whiplash, sports injury, fall)
Gradually due to posture, repetitive strain, or stress
Chronically, lasting longer than 3 months

It commonly affects office workers, drivers, athletes, students, and individuals experiencing high physical or mental stress.

Common Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity and may include:

Neck pain or stiffness
Reduced ability to turn or tilt the head
Pain radiating to the shoulders, upper back, or arms
Headaches originating from the base of the skull or behind the eyes
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
Muscle tightness or spasms in the neck and shoulders

Causes of Back Pain

Neck pain can result from a wide range of physical, biomechanical, and lifestyle factors, including:

Poor posture (e.g., prolonged computer or phone use)
Whiplash or sudden trauma from car accidents or falls
Muscle imbalances or weakness
Sports or exercise-related injuries
Stress and tension
Disc irritation or degeneration

Our team focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain so treatment is effective and long-lasting.

Common Neck Pain Diagnoses

Neck pain can stem from several specific conditions affecting the cervical spine and surrounding structures. Common diagnoses include:

Cervical Strain or Sprain
Overstretching or tearing of neck muscles or ligaments, often caused by sudden movements, poor posture, or overuse.

Whiplash-Associated Disorders
A common injury following car accidents, characterized by neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or arm symptoms.

Cervical Disc Bulge or Herniation
Irritation or compression of spinal discs that may cause neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or tingling.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Nerve irritation leading to pain, weakness, or altered sensation radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Postural Neck Pain
Pain related to prolonged sitting, forward head posture, or workstation ergonomics.

Cervical Arthritis (Degenerative Disc or Joint Disease)
Age-related wear and tear causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Tension or Cervicogenic Headaches
Headaches originating from muscle tension or joint dysfunction in the neck.

A thorough assessment is essential to determine the exact cause of neck pain and guide effective treatment.

Neck Pain Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery and may include:

Detailed neck, posture, and movement assessment
Manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
Neck-specific mobility and strengthening exercises
Postural correction and ergonomic advice
IMS dry needling and joint manipulation (when appropriate)
Education on activity modification and self-management

Chiropractic care may help address pain, including:

Comprehensive spinal and biomechanical assessment
Cervical and thoracic joint mobilization or manipulation
Active Release Techniques (ART) and targeted soft tissue therapy
Improving joint mechanics and nervous system function
Corrective exercises for long-term results

Massage therapy supports recovery by targeting soft tissue restrictions and muscle tension:

Reduction of muscle tension and trigger points
Improved circulation and tissue recovery
Joint mobilization and stretching
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Supportive care alongside physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consider seeking treatment if you experience:

Neck pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
Pain that interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities
Headaches associated with neck stiffness or pain
Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating into the arm or hand
Neck pain following a car accident, fall, or sports injury
Progressive stiffness, weakness, or worsening symptoms

Frequently asked questions

Can neck pain go away on its own?

Mild neck pain may resolve with rest, but persistent or recurring symptoms often require treatment to address the underlying cause.

Can neck pain cause headaches or arm pain?

Yes. Neck dysfunction can contribute to headaches and pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the shoulders and arms.

What is whiplash and how is it treated?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden acceleration-deceleration, commonly from car accidents. Treatment often includes physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage to restore movement and reduce pain.

Is treatment painful?

Treatment is tailored to your comfort level. Some techniques may cause mild soreness, but care is always adjusted to ensure safety and tolerance.

Can I stay active during treatment?

Yes. We encourage safe activity and will help modify movements to support healing without aggravating symptoms.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to receive physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy services at Pursuit Physiotherapy.