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CONDITION · CERVICAL SPINE
Neck pain physio in Brisbane.
Neck stiffness and pain can make it difficult to drive, sleep, work at a screen, or even turn your head comfortably. Our team uses an evidence-based approach to assess and help manage cervical pain and related symptoms — from postural strain to whiplash and disc-related presentations.
AT A GLANCE
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AFFECTED AREA
Cervical spine
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PREVALENCE
Very common
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FIRST STEP
Assessment + plan
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FUNDING PATHWAYS
NDIS · DVA · WorkCover
Information shown is general and not a substitute for assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your specific presentation at your initial appointment.
COMMON SIGNS
Symptoms you may recognise.
If two or more of these apply to you, an assessment is a sensible next step.
Stiffness turning the head
Difficulty looking left, right or over your shoulder
Pain at base of skull
Aching across the back of the neck and skull base
Radiating pain
Into the shoulder, arm or hand — may indicate nerve involvement
Cervicogenic headaches
Headaches originating from the neck and skull base
Reduced range of motion
Limited movement in any direction of the cervical spine
Upper-trap tension
Tightness across the neck, shoulder and upper back
COMMON DRIVERS
Why it might be happening.
Neck pain can arise from structural and lifestyle factors. Understanding the underlying cause helps guide management.
CAUSE 01
Desk posture & screen time
Extended forward-head positions at a computer, phone or tablet place sustained load on the cervical muscles and joints, contributing to fatigue, stiffness and pain — a pattern often described as “tech neck.”
CAUSE 02
Whiplash
Sudden acceleration-deceleration forces — most commonly from a motor vehicle accident — can strain cervical muscles, ligaments and joints. Severity varies widely and symptoms may not appear immediately.
CAUSE 03
Cervical disc issues
Disc herniation or degeneration in the cervical spine can compress nerve roots — sometimes called a “pinched nerve” — causing pain, tingling or weakness radiating into the shoulder, arm or hand.
CAUSE 04
Muscle tension & stress
Stress, anxiety and habitual muscle bracing can drive chronic tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, contributing to persistent aching and reduced movement.
When to seek urgent care
Some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention rather than a physio assessment. Please see your GP or attend an emergency department if you experience:
- Neck pain after significant trauma (fall, car accident, sporting impact)
- Sudden, severe weakness or loss of coordination in the arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe headache with neck stiffness, fever, vision changes or slurred speech
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats with neck pain
OUR APPROACH
How physiotherapy may help.
A three-stage approach — assess, treat, then build long-term resilience.
01
Assess
A thorough cervical spine assessment — movement testing, joint assessment, neurological screening and postural evaluation.
- Movement & range-of-motion testing
- Joint & segmental assessment
- Neurological screening
- Postural & workstation review
02
Treat
An evidence-based plan tailored to your presentation, often combining manual therapy with targeted active rehabilitation.
- Manual therapy & joint mobilisation
- Dry needling for muscle tension
- Targeted cervical strengthening
- Postural & ergonomic education
03
Manage
Progressive program to build the strength, mobility and postural endurance to manage your neck well long term.
- Home exercise program
- Workstation modifications
- Self-management strategies
- Return-to-activity planning
RELATED CONDITIONS
If your neck pain persists for more than a few days, is worsening, or is accompanied by headaches, shoulder or arm pain, numbness or tingling, it is worth booking an assessment. Early physiotherapy assessment may help identify the cause and guide appropriate management.
Our physiotherapists use a thorough assessment to identify the structures contributing to your neck pain. Treatment may include manual therapy, joint mobilisation, dry needling, targeted exercise, and postural education. We use an evidence-based approach and tailor treatment to your individual presentation.
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches arise from dysfunction in the cervical spine — the joints, muscles, and nerves of the neck can refer pain into the head. Physiotherapy assessment can help identify whether your headaches have a cervical component and whether physiotherapy may help manage them.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the cause and duration of your neck pain. Acute neck pain often responds to physiotherapy within a few sessions. Persistent neck pain may benefit from a longer course of treatment with a structured exercise program. Your physiotherapist will discuss a plan with you after your initial assessment.