NECK PAIN
One of the most common issues we see every day is neck pain & tension headaches.
Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled clinicians can help manage and fix your neck pain and cervicogenic headaches.
We have every non-surgical option for treating neck issues under one roof including Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Sports Massage, Acupuncture, Pilates & More!
THE ANATOMY
The neck, or cervical spine, is a highly mobile region made up of seven vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.
Its role is to support the head, allow movement, and protect the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Because of its mobility and constant postural demands, the neck is particularly vulnerable to overload, poor posture, prolonged screen use, stress, and injury.
Dysfunction within cervical joints, muscles, or surrounding tissues can not only cause neck pain, but also contribute to musculoskeletal-related headaches.
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN & HEADACHES?
Neck pain most commonly develops due to one or more of the following:
1. Joint & Disc Dysfunction
Stiff or irritated cervical facet joints, disc degeneration, or disc bulges can cause local neck pain, reduced range of motion, and sometimes referral into the shoulders, upper back, or arms.
2. Muscle & Soft Tissue Overload
Tight or overworked neck and shoulder muscles — often related to posture, stress, or prolonged desk work — are a very common cause of neck pain and stiffness.
3. Postural & Movement Factors
Sustained poor posture, reduced thoracic mobility, weak postural muscles, and repetitive activities can place excessive strain on the cervical spine, leading to persistent or recurrent symptoms.
Common Musculoskeletal Causes of Headaches
Many headaches originate from the neck and surrounding structures rather than from the head itself. Common musculoskeletal headache types include:
Tension-type headaches — often linked to muscle tension, stress, and sustained postures
Cervicogenic headaches — referred pain from the cervical spine joints or soft tissues
Neck-related migraine triggers — neck dysfunction can contribute to migraine frequency or severity in some individuals
Important Red Flag NOTICE
While most headaches are benign and musculoskeletal in origin, red flags such as sudden severe headache, significant neurological symptoms, unexplained weight loss, fever, trauma, or changes in vision require urgent medical assessment. Our clinicians screen carefully to ensure appropriate referral when needed.
How We Help Manage Acute & Chronic Neck Pain and Headaches
We take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to both acute flare-ups and long-standing neck pain or headaches. Treatment is tailored to your presentation and may include:
Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and restore movement
Targeted rehabilitation to improve strength, posture, and load tolerance
Education around ergonomics, stress, and lifestyle factors
Progressive management strategies for chronic or recurrent symptoms
Our aim is not only to relieve symptoms, but to address the underlying cause and reduce recurrence.
Where Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Sports Massage Can Help
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring joint mobility in the cervical and thoracic spine, reducing mechanical irritation, and improving nervous system function. Cervical manipulation may be appropriate for some patients following thorough assessment and informed consent.
Physiotherapy addresses movement dysfunction, strength deficits, postural control, and functional rehabilitation, particularly important for long-term neck pain and headache prevention.
Sports massage therapy targets muscle tension, trigger points, and soft tissue restriction in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, often providing significant symptom relief when combined with active care.
Used together, this multimodal approach provides better outcomes than any single treatment alone.
BOOK AN ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OR YOUR NECK PAIN OR TENSION HEADACHES NOW AT SARISBURY GREEN FAREHAM OR WEST END SOUTHAMPTON IN HAMPSHIRE
MYTHBUSTING: NECK PAIN & MANIPULATION
Common Myths About Neck Pain & Headaches
“Neck pain means something is seriously wrong” — most neck pain is mechanical in nature and responds well to appropriate treatment.
“Headaches always come from the head” — many headaches originate from the neck and surrounding soft tissues.
“I should avoid moving my neck” — guided, appropriate movement is usually essential for recovery and long-term improvement.
“Chronic pain means permanent damage” — ongoing pain often reflects sensitivity, load intolerance, or movement dysfunction rather than ongoing injury.
“Cervical manipulation is unsafe” — when clinically indicated, cervical manipulation is considered safe for appropriately selected patients. Our chiropractor always conducts a thorough assessment and screening process to ensure suitability and safety. Importantly, cervical manipulation is only one of many effective treatment options, and we have multiple evidence-based approaches available to achieve the same outcomes when manipulation is not appropriate or not desired.
WHY TRUST WATT HEALTH WITH MY NECK PAIN?
Our team takes a thorough, evidence-based approach to managing neck pain. We assess how your spine moves, how your muscles function, and how your daily activities may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment is tailored to your specific presentation and may include hands-on therapy, targeted rehabilitation exercises, postural correction, and education to prevent recurrence.
Rather than simply masking symptoms, we focus on addressing the underlying cause of your neck problems, helping you move better, feel stronger, and return confidently to work, sport, and daily life.
