Neck pain treatment in Edgeworth
A stiff, sore neck can make driving, desk work and sleep miserable. We work out what's irritated, ease it with hands-on care, and show you how to stop it coming straight back.
How it can feel
Neck pain can be a nuisance or it can stop you in your tracks. Common signs include:
- Stiffness or pain when you turn to check a blind spot
- An ache across the top of the shoulders or between the shoulder blades
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Waking with a cricked neck that won't loosen
- Pain, tingling or pins and needles travelling into the arm or hand
What's usually behind it
The neck works hard all day holding your head up. It tends to complain after:
- Long stretches at a desk, on a phone or behind the wheel
- Sleeping awkwardly, or on a pillow that doesn't suit you
- Whiplash from a car accident or a knock at sport
- Irritated joints, discs or nerves in the neck
- Stress and tension held through the shoulders
Neck problems are also a common source of headaches and of pain felt around the shoulder, which is why we look at the whole area and not only the sore spot.
Our approach to neck pain
Assess
We check how your neck and upper back move, test the nerves into your arms where needed, and ask about work, sleep and headaches. We screen for anything that needs medical attention before we treat.
Treat
Depending on what we find: gentle joint mobilisation or manual adjustment, soft tissue work for tight muscles, and low-force options if you'd rather not have your neck adjusted. Nothing is done without talking you through it first.
Keep it away
Neck pain often returns if the cause stays the same. We'll give you a few targeted exercises and practical changes for your desk, car and pillow.
What does the research say? Studies of neck pain generally support combining hands-on treatment with exercise, more than either on its own. So expect both: treatment in the clinic and a short routine to do at home.
When to get urgent help
This page is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment. Healthdirect, the Australian government's health information service, has more on neck pain.
Neck pain: your questions answered
Is it safe to have my neck adjusted?
We assess before we treat, and we explain the options and their risks so you can decide. Serious complications from neck manipulation are rare, but they have been reported, which is why we screen carefully first. If you'd prefer not to have your neck adjusted, there are gentle alternatives such as mobilisation and soft tissue work.
Can a neck problem cause headaches?
Yes. Some headaches are referred from the joints and muscles of the upper neck. If we think your neck is involved, treating it may help. There's more on our headaches and migraines page.
I've got pins and needles in my arm. Can you help?
Pins and needles can come from an irritated nerve in the neck, or from further down the arm. We test nerve function as part of the assessment and will tell you if you need a scan or a GP review.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us, online or by phone. If you have a referral, scans or reports from your GP or specialist, bring them along.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Rebates are available on the spot for most extras policies that include chiropractic. Bring your health fund card to claim at the clinic.
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Ready to get your neck pain looked at?
Start with a proper assessment at our Edgeworth clinic. No referral needed.