Neck Pain
A stiff, painful neck from sleeping awkwardly, long days at a desk or a slow build-up of tension is something we see every week. Most of it responds well to hands-on treatment and a few changes to how you sit and sleep.
- NHS Recognised
- No GP Referral Needed
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Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks, according to the NHS, and it is rarely a sign of anything serious. But a neck that locks when you turn to reverse the car, or aches by mid-afternoon every day at your desk, gets in the way of everything. Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain is one of the conditions osteopaths commonly help with.
What does neck pain feel like?
Mechanical neck pain means pain that comes from the joints, muscles and ligaments of the neck rather than from a nerve or a disease. Typically it is stiffness and aching on one or both sides, worse when you turn or look up, sometimes spreading into the top of the shoulders. It may come with a headache that starts at the back of the head. Pins and needles or a cold feeling down the arm suggests a nerve is involved, and the NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice that.
What causes neck pain?
- sleeping in an awkward position, or on a pillow that is too high
- long periods looking down at a screen or phone
- poor posture at a desk, in the car or on the sofa
- a sudden movement or a small strain lifting or carrying
- a build-up of muscle tension linked to stress
How can osteopathy help with neck pain?
Abdul starts with a full history and examination: how far the neck moves in each direction, which joints and muscles are tender, and whether the shoulders, upper back and posture are contributing. Treatment is gentle and tailored to what he finds. It may include mobilisation of the stiff joints, soft tissue techniques for tight muscles, and work on the upper back, which often moves less than it should and leaves the neck doing extra work. Where it is appropriate, dry needling can be used for short-term relief of tight muscles.
Alongside the hands-on treatment you will get advice on pillows, desk set-up and simple neck exercises, because the pain tends to come back if the thing that caused it stays the same.
What can I do while I wait for an appointment?
The NHS suggests:
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, or using ibuprofen gel, if they suit you
- using a low, firm pillow and avoiding sleeping on your front
- a heat pack for 20 minutes two or three times a day, or a cold pack for five minutes a few times a day
- gentle neck exercises to keep it moving, rather than holding it still
- not using a neck collar
When should I see a GP or get urgent help?
See a GP if the pain has not improved after a few weeks, if painkillers are not helping, or if you have pins and needles, numbness or a cold feeling in your arm or hand. Get urgent help if neck pain comes with a high temperature and a stiff neck, follows a serious accident or a fall, or arrives with weakness in your arms or legs or problems with your balance, bladder or bowels. We check for these signs at every assessment and will refer you on if they appear.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- Should I wear a neck collar?
- The NHS advises against it. Keeping the neck moving, within comfort, helps it settle faster than holding it still.
- My neck pain started after a car accident. Can you help?
- Neck pain after an accident needs to be assessed by a GP or A&E first, to rule out anything that needs medical care. Once that has been done, we are happy to see you.
- Can neck pain cause headaches?
- Yes. Headaches that start at the base of the skull and spread forward are often linked to the joints and muscles of the upper neck. See our page on headaches and migraine for how we approach those.
- How quickly will I feel a difference?
- Many people feel looser after the first session, but how long it takes to settle properly depends on how long you have had the pain and what is keeping it there. Abdul will give you an honest estimate once he has examined you.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you are unsure about your symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111.
How we treat neck pain
Osteopathy
Osteopathy treatments are a form of manual medicine that treats the muscular skeletal system including muscles, ligaments, nerves, joints and problems related to its function.
Learn more →
Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest methods of healing; its origins can be traced back nearly 4000 years.
Learn more →
Dry Needling
At the AOC Clinic we have an Osteopath who is also trained to provide Dry Needling. It is a treatment technique using fine needles inserted into painful knots in muscles to help decrease pain, improve mobility and function. Muscle tension and spasms are common with conditions as muscle strain and injuries, tension-headaches, lower back pain and osteo arthritis.
Learn more →Further reading
Osteopathy for Chronic Neck Pain: A How-to Guide
Stiff neck or ongoing neck pain? Learn what an osteopath does for neck pain, safe self-help tips, and when to get help, from our Aberdeen clinic.
How Osteopathy Differs from Physiotherapy
Osteopathy vs physiotherapy: how the two differ in regulation, training and treatment approach, and how to choose the right one for you in Aberdeen.
You’re in safe hands. But don’t just take our word for it.
Sue B ★★★★★Had treatment from Abdul and Ian who corrected the pain I had in my shoulder. Excellent practice.
Viktória K ★★★★★I highly recommend Maris to anyone in need of a physiotherapist. He went above and beyond to treat my heel inflammation, and I am incredibly grateful for his care. He is highly skilled . A true professional!
Haroon J ★★★★★I had golfer elbow pain for almost two years and I thought I had to live with it forever. Upon recommendation by a friend, I visited AOC and I could not believe that in just one session i would such a remarkable difference. The team is no less than magicians.
D ★★★★★Working in Aberdeen from London so away from my usual Osteopath. Was hoping to find a good one and this is the best I’ve ever had.
Gillian P ★★★★★I recently went to Iva for neck and back issues, after treatment on day 1 i already immediately felt amazing, i went back a week later where Iva continued to work on the problem area, 2 sessions and i feel absolutely amazing, Iva was nothing short of amazing, a lovely lady who knows her stuff and made me feel at ease. Couldn't recommend her enough. Thank you so much
Linda H ★★★★★I first visited Abdul a few years ago with numbness in my hand which I had for a long time. He quickly diagnosed the problem started from my neck and after a few sessions I was pain free. This has been maintained by regular visits. I recently had severe pain in my upper leg which Abdul managed to pinpoint and treat immediately although I had suffered on and off for months. I cannot recommend him highly enough and also the pre-treatment massages from his team. Always professional and accommodating while taking a holistic approach to treatment.
Andrew M ★★★★★I couldn’t give a better rating for Abdul and his team Traveling from Australia I hurt my back golfing. They fitted me in at very short notice and got me moving again
Jen M ★★★★★Wonderful service lovely people I cant recommend them enough I have had severe back pain for weeks I can actually move feel so much better
Ronald H ★★★★★Abdul and his team provide good treatment facilities and are very friendly and helpful.
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