Summary

Neck pain is a common condition affecting people of all ages. It is often described as neck pain, tension, or stiffness, and may also affect the shoulders, upper back, or head. Pain ranges from very mild discomfort to severe, burning pain. It may develop suddenly after a whiplash injury or gradually due to poor posture, a condition known as postural neck pain.

NICE finds that 70 % of the population suffers from neck pain during their lives, with prevalence peaking between 45 and 54¹.

In most cases, neck pain improves with the right advice, movement and physiotherapy support. Physiotherapy will focus on reducing pain and improving movement while addressing the underlying cause to prevent symptoms from returning. At the White House Clinic, we treat neck pain in Doncaster, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and across South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.

An overview of neck pain

Neck pain refers to discomfort, stiffness or restricted movement in the cervical spine – the seven vertebrae (C1-C7)  that support the head and allow it to move. The neck also contains muscles, ligaments, joints and nerves. When these are injured or irritated, you may experience neck pain.

Neck pain may be short-term, lasting a few days to a few weeks. However, if you don’t address the underlying issue, it can persist or recur. Many people experience episodes that come and go, often linked to posture, stress or workload. While uncomfortable, neck pain is rarely severe and is usually treatable with physiotherapy.

Neck pain symptoms

Neck pain symptoms may come on gradually, particularly with postural neck pain or desk-related neck pain, or suddenly following trauma. Common symptoms include:

• Neck stiffness or reduced movement in the neck and shoulders
• Muscle spasms
• A dull ache/sharp pain in the neck
• Pins and needles, numbness in the arm or hand
• Headaches
• Clicking and grinding when moving the neck

Causes of neck pain

Poor posture often leads to neck pain. Sitting for long periods, especially with the head forward at a desk or when using a mobile phone, places extra strain on the neck muscles and joints. Over time, this can lead to ongoing neck stiffness and discomfort.

Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain. A whiplash injury happens when the head is suddenly jolted forward and backwards, in a whip-like movement. It can occur in a car accident, during contact sports or during a fall. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, headaches and reduced movement. It can take several hours after the injury for symptoms to appear.

It’s not only injuries that cause neck pain. Sleeping in an awkward position without supportive pillows, feeling stressed and tense and degeneration of the vertebrae in the spine also contribute to neck pain.

When to see someone for neck pain

Often, neck pain improves in a few days or weeks. However, if you have numb hands or weakness in one or both arms, feel unbalanced since the neck pain started, or have a severe headache, contact your GP. If the pain has lasted more than two weeks and is interfering with your daily life, despite managing it yourself, you will benefit from a physiotherapist appointment.

At the White House Clinic, you can book a physiotherapy appointment directly without a referral. Faster assessment can lead to a speedier recovery.

What to do if you have neck pain

If you have neck pain, we recommend staying active and avoiding prolonged rest. Gentle movement helps prevent stiffness and supports recovery.

Take regular breaks from sitting or screen use. If you are at work, adjust your screen and chair to reduce desk-related neck pain.

You should move your neck, but avoid sudden or forceful neck movements. A physiotherapist can provide personalised advice based on your symptoms and daily activities. To manage pain and ease muscle tension, consider heat packs and hot water bottles.

Treatment for neck pain

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for neck pain. At the White House Clinic, we tailor treatment to you and your needs from all 14 of our clinics.

Physiotherapy assessment and exercise

A physiotherapist will assess your posture, movement and neck strength to identify the cause of your pain. The physiotherapist will provide targeted exercises to improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce neck stiffness.

Manual therapy

A physiotherapist may use manual, hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve joint movement and ease neck pain. Clients seeking massage for neck pain can find services at our Sheffield West, Sheffield South, Chesterfield, and Sheffield Kelham Island clinics.

Postural advice

Addressing postural neck pain and desk-related neck pain is a key part of treatment. Your physiotherapist will provide practical advice to help reduce neck strain during daily activities and at work.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high-intensity sound waves to aid healing in muscles and tissues. Shockwave therapy is available at our Chesterfield, Sheffield West and Sheffield East clinics.

Who is affected by neck pain?

Neck pain can affect anyone, but it is particularly common in people who spend long hours sitting, driving or working at a desk with poor posture. It is also more common in women².

Reducing the risk of neck pain returning

To reduce the risk of future neck pain, it is essential to maintain good posture during work, sleep, and daily activities. When using screens or sitting, take regular breaks to move around. Regular exercise and targeted movements can help keep the neck and upper back strong and mobile. It’s important to gradually increase activity levels to avoid further problems.

References

• ‍NHS
• ‍NICE

¹ https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-pain-non-specific/background-information/prevalence/
‍² https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-pain-non-specific/background-information/prevalence/