Neck Pain

Neck pain can affect sleep, movement and focus. We help relieve pain, restore function and support long term recovery.

Understanding neck pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care. It can come on suddenly after injury or strain, or develop gradually from posture, stress or repetitive movement.

Pain may stay local to the neck or refer into the shoulders, upper back or arms. In some cases, nerve irritation can cause tingling, numbness or weakness.

The neck is a complex and mobile part of the spine. Identifying which joints, muscles or nerves are involved is the starting point for treatment.

What Symptoms Can Look Like

Common signs and related symptoms include:

Local pain or tightness in the neck and upper back

Pain that radiates into the shoulder or down the arm

Headaches starting from the base of the skull

Restricted movement when turning or tilting the head

Numbness, pins and needles or muscle weakness

Stiffness first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting

If your neck pain started after a fall, car accident or sudden force, you may be experiencing whiplash. Learn more about whiplash and how we can help.

How we assess and diagnose

We start with a clear history to understand how your neck pain began, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life.

Physical assessment includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, posture and neurological function where needed. We may also look at how your neck interacts with the jaw, back or shoulders.

This process helps us identify the structures involved and form a clear plan to address the cause, not just the symptoms.

How osteopathy can help

Osteopathic care for neck pain may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, muscle release or nerve desensitisation techniques.

We also provide advice on posture, movement and stress management, and offer simple exercises you can do at home to support progress.

Our aim is to reduce pain, restore movement and give you tools to help prevent future flare ups.

Neck pain treatment across the Northern Rivers

We see people with neck pain at both clinics: Ballina, on Tamar Street, and Lismore, on Molesworth Street. Fees and the booking process are the same at each.

Getting started

If neck pain is slowing you down or becoming more persistent, we are here to help. Book online or get in touch to learn more.