Neck pain can range from a nagging stiffness that makes it hard to check your blind spot, to a sharp pain when you turn your head, to tension that spreads into your shoulders and upper back. Some people notice headaches that seem to start at the base of the skull, and others feel tingling or aching into the arm. Neck pain often builds slowly with long hours at a computer or looking down at a phone, but it can also come on suddenly after sleeping in an awkward position or a minor strain. At Blockline Physiotherapy & Wellness in Kitchener, our physiotherapists help you find out what is contributing to your neck pain and how to ease it.
Common causes
- Sustained postures, such as working at a laptop or looking down at a phone for long periods
- Muscle tension from stress or a busy workload
- Sleeping in an awkward position or on a pillow that doesn’t suit you
- Muscle or ligament strain from a sudden movement
- Stiffness in the joints of the neck or upper back
- Irritation of a nerve in the neck, which may cause symptoms into the arm
- Whiplash from a car accident or fall
- Age-related changes such as arthritis
How physiotherapy can help
Your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment. They will ask about how your pain started, what aggravates it, your work setup and your daily routine. They will check how your neck and upper back move, test the strength of the muscles that support your head and shoulders, and screen your arm for any signs of nerve involvement. From there, they will explain their findings and discuss a plan that fits your goals.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Manual therapy — hands-on techniques for the neck and upper back that may help reduce stiffness and muscle tension.
- Exercise — mobility and strengthening exercises for your neck, shoulder blades and upper back, with a home program you can fit into your day.
- Posture and workstation advice — many people with neck pain benefit from changes to how they sit and work. Our posture correction physiotherapy focuses on the habits and muscle imbalances that can keep neck pain going.
- Massage therapy — where appropriate, massage therapy may help ease tension in the neck and shoulders as part of your overall care.
- Kinesio taping — in some cases, kinesio taping may be used to support the shoulders and upper back.
If your neck pain started after a car accident, see our page on whiplash and our motor vehicle accident treatment service.
When to see a doctor first
Most neck pain is not serious, but some symptoms need medical assessment before physiotherapy. See a doctor or go to the emergency department right away if you have:
- Neck pain after a significant fall, collision or other trauma, especially with severe pain or difficulty moving your neck
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain spreading into the jaw or left arm
- Dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, or fainting
- Weakness, clumsiness or loss of coordination in your arms or legs
- Neck pain with fever, a severe headache or feeling generally unwell
- Numbness or tingling that is spreading or getting worse
If you are unsure whether your symptoms need a doctor, check with your family doctor first. Your physiotherapist will also screen for these signs during your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for neck pain?
No. In Ontario you can see a physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral. Some insurance plans do require one for reimbursement, so it’s worth checking your plan before your first visit. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers.
Can physiotherapy help with headaches that start in my neck?
Some headaches are linked to stiffness and tension in the neck and upper shoulders. Your physiotherapist will assess whether your neck may be contributing and, if so, may include treatment and exercises aimed at that. Any new, severe or unusual headache should be checked by a doctor.
What can I do at my desk to help my neck?
Small changes can make a difference, such as adjusting your screen height, taking regular breaks to move, and changing position through the day. Your physiotherapist can give you advice and exercises based on your own work setup.
If neck pain is getting in the way of your day, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk with a physiotherapist about what you’re experiencing, or book an assessment online through Jane. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us at 519-576-1777. We’re open seven days a week, with evening appointments on weekdays, at our clinic on Block Line Rd in Kitchener.