Osteopathy for Chronic Neck Pain: A How-to Guide

A stiff neck is one of the most common aches most of us will get, and it usually settles within a few weeks with simple self-care. When it does not, or when it keeps coming back, an osteopath can carry out a full assessment and use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and stretching to help ease uncomplicated mechanical neck pain. Below we cover what causes it, what actually helps, what an osteopath does, and when you need to see a GP instead.

What causes a stiff neck or neck pain?

According to the NHS, the most common causes of neck pain are the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping, poor posture such as sitting at a desk for long periods, a pinched nerve, or an injury such as whiplash from a traffic accident or a fall. Everyday neck pain and stiffness that is not linked to an injury is rarely a sign of anything serious, though it can still be uncomfortable enough to affect your sleep, work and daily life while it lasts.

How can I ease a stiff neck quickly?

For most everyday stiff necks, the NHS suggests:

• taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, or using ibuprofen gel on the area
• using a low, firm pillow
• putting a heat pack or a cold pack, such as a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel, on your neck
• trying gentle neck flexibility exercises

It is best not to wear a neck collar, since keeping the neck moving generally helps more than immobilising it, unless a doctor has told you otherwise. It is also worth avoiding anything risky, such as driving or cycling, if you cannot move your neck comfortably. Good habits such as keeping your head level with the rest of your body when sleeping, sitting upright with your shoulders back, and not staying in the same position for long periods at a desk can help stop it coming back.

What does an osteopath do for neck pain?

Osteopaths commonly help with uncomplicated mechanical neck pain, meaning everyday neck pain and stiffness rather than pain following an injury such as whiplash, and with headaches that arise from the neck. At your appointment, an osteopath will take a full history and examine your neck, shoulders and upper back, since pain in one area can sometimes be linked to stiffness elsewhere in the body. Treatment is hands-on, and depending on what they find, may involve soft tissue massage to ease tight muscles, gentle joint mobilisation to improve movement, and stretching, alongside advice on posture, your desk setup or your sleeping position. Your osteopath will always explain what they are doing and ask your permission before treating you.

The Institute of Osteopathy notes that back and neck pain, also known as non-specific pain, is rarely caused by anything serious, and that early diagnosis and treatment can aid recovery and get you back to your normal activities more quickly.

What are the treatment options for chronic neck pain?

When neck pain has been going on for a while, it is worth having it properly assessed rather than just working through painkillers indefinitely. Options include the self-help measures above, hands-on manual therapy from an osteopath or physiotherapist, and, where an osteopath judges it appropriate as part of your care, dry needling for short-term relief. Whichever route you choose, the same principle applies: a thorough assessment first, then a plan tailored to what is actually causing your stiffness, rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.

Should I see an osteopath or a chiropractor for neck pain?

Both professions are regulated and both work with neck pain using hands-on techniques, so there is no single right answer. We have written a fuller comparison in what's the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor if you would like to weigh up the differences before booking.

When to get urgent medical help

Most neck pain settles within a few weeks. See a GP if your neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks, if paracetamol or ibuprofen have not helped, if you are worried about the pain, or if you notice other symptoms such as pins and needles or a cold arm, since this could point to something more serious that needs a different kind of assessment. If your neck pain started after an accident, a fall or a blow to the head, see a doctor before booking a routine appointment. Full guidance is on the NHS page on neck pain.

Call 999 or go to A&E if a stiff neck comes with a high temperature, a headache, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, or a dislike of bright lights. These can be signs of meningitis, which needs emergency treatment.

How Aberdeen Osteopathy Clinic can help

Abdul Abu-Laban is a GOsC-registered osteopath, registration number 6294, based at our clinic in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment, and neck pain treatment starts with a full consultation, which is £80 for a first visit. Depending on what Abdul finds, your plan may combine hands-on osteopathy treatment with dry needling for short-term relief of muscle tension, or an Indian head massage if what you need is release of built-up tension across the head, neck and shoulders rather than a full osteopathic assessment. Book an appointment whenever suits you.

Frequently asked questions

What does neck pain treatment at Aberdeen Osteopathy Clinic involve?

Your first visit includes a full consultation, where Abdul takes your history, examines your neck, shoulders and upper back, and explains what he finds before agreeing a treatment plan with you. Ongoing sessions may include soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, stretching and posture advice.

What if my neck pain follows an injury, such as whiplash?

Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain, the everyday stiffness most of us get, is different from neck pain following an injury such as whiplash. If you have had a recent injury, mention this when you book, since your osteopath will need to assess your case before deciding whether osteopathic care is appropriate, or whether you should be seen by your GP or at hospital first.

Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath for neck pain?

No. You can book directly with a registered osteopath, without a referral from your GP.

How many sessions will I need for chronic neck pain?

It depends on how long you have had the pain and what is causing it. Your osteopath should explain what they find, agree a plan with you, and give you a realistic idea of the likely number of sessions, reviewing your progress as you go.

Sources

• NHS: Neck pain
• NHS: Meningitis
• Institute of Osteopathy: Muscle and joint conditions
• General Osteopathic Council: What to expect at your appointment

This article is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you are unsure about your symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111.