Neck pain

Neck pain is a frequent issue that can range from mild discomfort to more persistent or severe pain. It can make everyday tasks difficult, affect your sleep, and even lead to headaches or pain in the shoulders and arms. The good news is that most neck pain is not serious and responds well to the right treatment.

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Understanding Neck Pain: From Mild to More Severe

Neck pain can be classified into four grades, based on severity and symptoms.

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Grade 1: Mild Neck Pain Without Major Impact

This is the most common type of neck pain, usually caused by muscle tension, poor posture, stress, or minor sprains and strains. It may feel stiff or sore but doesn’t interfere significantly with daily activities. With hands-on treatment, exercises, and posture advice, this type of neck pain can improve quickly.

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Grade 2: Neck Pain That Affects Daily Activities

This level of neck pain is more bothersome and can limit movement, sleep, or work. It may be caused by more significant muscle or joint irritation. Despite its impact, it is still considered a non-serious type of neck pain, and most cases respond well to treatment such as manual therapy, soft tissue work, movement rehabilitation, and lifestyle advice.

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Grade 3: Nerve-Related Neck Pain

In some cases, neck pain is linked to nerve irritation or compression, often called a ‘trapped nerve.’ This can cause symptoms such as:

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• Pain radiating down the arm

• Numbness or tingling

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced reflexes

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This type of pain is typically caused by a bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve or by narrowing of the bony spaces where nerves exit the spine. Not all sharp or radiating pain is nerve-related—many muscles and joints can refer pain to other areas, mimicking nerve pain. A thorough assessment by a registered chiropractor can help differentiate between nerve pain and referred pain from other structures, ensuring the right treatment approach.

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Grade 4: Serious Neck Pain (Rare but Important to Identify)

Less than 1% of neck pain cases are due to serious conditions such as fractures, infections, inflammatory diseases, or tumours. These conditions often have clear warning signs, such as unexplained weight loss, severe unrelenting pain, night sweats, or nerve symptoms affecting multiple limbs. If we suspect a serious condition, we will refer you for the appropriate medical investigations and care.

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How Long Does Neck Pain Last?

For most people, neck pain significantly improves within six weeks, even without treatment, with continued gradual progress over time. However, more than 50% of people still struggle with some degree of neck pain 1 year on, especially if they continue to avoid movement due to fear of making it worse. This is where we can help, by providing the right treatment and advice to break the cycle of pain and stiffness.

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Our Approach to Neck Pain Treatment

We use a combination of treatments to reduce pain, restore movement, and reduce the risk of future episodes, including:

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• Spinal manipulation and mobilisation

• Soft tissue therapy and massage

• Targeted exercises

• Postural or movement advice

• Stress and relaxation techniques

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If neck pain is affecting your daily life, getting an assessment early can help prevent it from becoming a long-term issue. We’re here to help you move better and feel better for the long run.