Neck Pain: Types, Causes & Treatments

Comprehensive Neck Pain Care at Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages—from office workers and students to athletes and older adults. Because the neck supports the head, protects vital nerves, and enables a wide range of movement, even mild irritation can impact daily function, sleep, and overall quality of life.

At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness, we assess the root cause of your neck pain and provide targeted treatment through physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.

Types of Neck Pain We Treat

1. Muscle Strain & Tension

One of the most common causes of neck pain, muscle strain occurs when muscles become overloaded or fatigued.
Common triggers include:

  • Poor posture (forward head posture / “tech neck”)

  • Long hours at a desk or computer

  • Stress-related muscle tightness

  • Improper lifting or sleeping positions

2. Cervical Joint Pain (Facet Joint Irritation)

The small joints in the neck—called facet joints—can become irritated or inflamed due to stiffness, arthritis, or sudden movement.
Symptoms may include:

  • Localized neck pain

  • Pain with looking up, down, or turning

  • Stiffness or grinding sensations

3. Cervical Disc Bulges or Herniations

When discs between the vertebrae bulge or herniate, they may compress nearby nerves.
Signs include:

  • Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Muscle weakness

  • Difficulty turning or bending the neck

4. Nerve Impingement / Pinched Nerve

Nerve compression can occur due to disc changes, bone spurs, or tight muscles.
Symptoms often include:

  • Sharp or shooting pain

  • Burning or electrical sensations

  • Radiating pain into the arms or shoulder blades

5. Whiplash & Trauma-Related Neck Pain

Sudden forceful movement, such as in car accidents or sports injuries, can strain ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Symptoms may include:

  • Neck stiffness

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Shoulder or upper back discomfort

6. Postural Dysfunction

Modern lifestyle habits often lead to chronic posture-related pain.
Examples include:

  • Rounded shoulders

  • Forward head posture

  • Reduced mobility in the upper back

7. Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck can radiate to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.
Often linked to:

  • Tight neck muscles

  • Restricted upper cervical joints

  • Poor posture

How We Treat Neck Pain at Our Clinic

Our team uses a collaborative approach to address pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence. Treatment plans are always personalized based on the underlying cause, severity, and your lifestyle.

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy focuses on improving mobility, correcting movement patterns, and strengthening supporting muscles.

Common physiotherapy treatments include:

  • Manual therapy to improve joint motion

  • Soft tissue release for tight or strained muscles

  • Postural correction and ergonomic education

  • Strengthening exercises for deep neck flexors, upper back, and shoulders

  • Mobility exercises to restore pain-free movement

  • Nerve gliding exercises if nerve irritation is present

Physio is especially effective for muscle strain, postural issues, disc-related pain, and mobility restrictions.

Chiropractic Care for Neck Alignment & Joint Function

Chiropractic care helps restore proper joint mechanics and reduce nerve irritation.

Chiropractic treatments may include:

  • Cervical spine adjustments

  • Joint mobilizations

  • Posture and movement assessments

  • Thoracic spine adjustments to reduce neck strain

  • Soft tissue techniques for surrounding muscles

Chiropractic care is particularly beneficial for facet joint pain, alignment issues, and nerve compression.

Massage Therapy for Neck Tension & Muscle Relief

Massage therapy helps reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation around the neck and upper back.

Massage therapy may include:

  • Deep tissue release

  • Trigger point therapy

  • Relaxation techniques for stress-related tension

  • Myofascial release

  • Sports massage for athletes

This supports pain relief, relaxation, and improved mobility.

A Complete Approach to Neck Pain Relief

At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness, we don’t just address symptoms—we look at posture, movement, lifestyle, stress, ergonomics, and strength imbalances to prevent long-term issues. Our team works together to ensure you receive coordinated, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

Whether your goal is to reduce daily discomfort, return to work pain-free, or recover from an injury, our multidisciplinary team is here to help you move and feel your best.

Book Your Neck Pain Assessment Today

If you’re dealing with neck pain, stiffness, or headaches, contact Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness. We’ll help you understand the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan that guides you back to comfortable, confident movement.