Neck pain that rarely stays in the neck.
It refers into the shoulder blade, up into the head as headaches, or down the arm. Treating only the sore spot is why it keeps coming back.
“I suffer with migraines, as many as 3 in a week and often lasting days at a time. I have had 3 sessions with Josh now and already my migraines seem to be improving.”
How I approach neck pain
I commonly see desk workers, people with headaches, stress and tension related symptoms, and people who have been dealing with persistent neck pain for a long time.
As with everything I do, I don't look at the neck in isolation. I want to understand the story behind the problem and consider movement, strength, lifestyle, sleep, stress, habits and the person's beliefs and behaviours around their pain.
I'll also assess for symptoms that could indicate something requiring further investigation, such as symptoms travelling into the arms, pins and needles, numbness, weakness or other neurological signs.
— Josh Devine, Specialist MSK Physiotherapist
Common drivers
There isn't a generic treatment that works for everyone. The approach is based on what I find and what you need.
Postural and work related
Sustained positions at a desk or in the car load the neck and upper back in ways they are not built to tolerate all day.
Joint and muscular
Facet joint irritation and deep muscular tension produce genuine local pain and stiffness, often worse first thing.
Cervicogenic headaches
A large proportion of persistent headaches originate in the upper neck and respond very well to treatment aimed there.
Whiplash and trauma
After a road traffic accident or fall the neck usually needs graded reintroduction of movement rather than protection.
Hands on work plus the right loading
Manual therapy, medical acupuncture where appropriate, then strengthening that makes the change stick.
Get to the structure actually producing your symptoms.Including the neck related headaches most people never get assessed.
“Josh is a great physiotherapist, very knowledgeable and friendly. He made me feel comfortable from the first meeting, and has helped me reduce my pain and improve my movement. He looks after the whole person.”
How we treat neck pain
Understand the story behind it
Movement, strength, lifestyle, sleep, stress, habits and your beliefs and behaviours around pain.
Screen for anything that needs investigating
Symptoms travelling into the arms, pins and needles, numbness, weakness or other neurological signs.
Personalised treatment
Soft tissue work or joint mobilisation where appropriate, but these are part of a broader plan rather than the plan itself.
Build confidence and capacity
Movement, strength and loading so you aren't simply relying on treatment to keep your neck feeling better.
A whole picture approach
What changes when someone looks past the painful area.
A whole picture approach
What changes when someone looks past the painful area.
- Full assessment, not just the sore segment
- Lifestyle and stress factors addressed
- Clear explanation of what is happening
- Long term tools, not endless appointments
What our patients say
Neck And Upper Back
“Great first session, already feel such a difference in my neck and across my upper back and shoulders. Would highly recommend!”
Three Migraines A Week
“I suffer with migraines, as many as 3 in a week and often lasting days at a time. I have had 3 sessions with Josh now and already my migraines seem to be improving.”
Not Rushed Like Other Physios
“A lovely guy who's very understanding, caring, polite and listens to you and doesn't rush you like other physios I've seen do. Showed me some exercises to help strengthen my shoulder.”
What good looks like
Not sure what is causing it?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll point you the right way.
A neck assessment would help.
Based on your answers, a full assessment would identify the structure producing your symptoms and how to settle it properly.
Common questions
Can neck pain cause headaches?
How long will it take?
Should I use a special pillow?
Do you treat whiplash?
Do I need a referral?
Find us
Visit our private clinic in Medway for your assessment.
BetterMe Physiotherapy
9 Eastwood Meadow
Rainham, Gillingham
ME8 8FA
Parking
Dedicated parking is available for all our patients directly outside the clinic.
Opening hours
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 21:00
Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday 09:00 – 14:00
Get in touch
Ready to move your neck freely?
Book an assessment and get a clear explanation plus a plan that holds.