Neck pain behaves differently from back pain. It is more often postural and load-related, it commonly refers pain into the shoulder blade or arm, and it is one of the most frequent causes of recurring headaches. Physiotherapy assessment works out which of those patterns you have, because the treatment for each is different.
Common neck problems we treat
- Postural and work-related neck pain. Long hours at a screen overload the small joints and deep muscles of the neck. Treatment combines hands-on techniques, a short exercise program for the deep neck flexors and scapular muscles, and practical changes to your desk setup.
- Cervicogenic headaches. Headaches driven by the upper three neck joints, typically one-sided, starting at the base of the skull and wrapping forward. These respond well to specific manual therapy and retraining, and distinguishing them from migraine is part of our assessment.
- Whiplash-associated disorder. After a vehicle accident, early active management has far better outcomes than collars and rest. Queensland CTP insurance commonly funds this treatment, and we can guide you through what is needed.
- Nerve-related arm pain. A irritated nerve root can send pain, pins and needles or weakness into the arm. Careful neurological screening decides whether rehab alone is right or a medical review is needed first.
What treatment looks like
Expect a combination of joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, dry needling where appropriate, and a concise exercise program. Neck rehab exercises are low-load and specific. Three well-chosen exercises done daily beat a long generic sheet that never gets done.
When to see a doctor first
Seek medical review before physiotherapy if neck pain follows significant trauma, comes with dizziness, fainting, difficulty speaking or swallowing, new severe headache unlike any before, or progressive weakness in the arms or legs. We screen for these at assessment and refer on immediately when indicated.
Waking up with that neck again?
Call the clinic. Most neck pain and cervicogenic headache patients notice meaningful change within the first few weeks of treatment.
Call (07) 5221 5254Can physio help migraines?
Physiotherapy treats cervicogenic headaches, which come from the neck, and can reduce neck-related triggers in some migraine sufferers. Migraine itself is a medical condition best managed with your GP, and our assessment will tell you which type you most likely have.
Is it safe to crack my own neck?
Self-manipulation gives short-lived relief and tends to feed the stiffness-crack cycle. It is better to address why the joint keeps feeling like it needs it.
Do you treat whiplash under CTP claims?
Yes. Bring your claim number and we will manage the paperwork with the insurer.