Neck Pain Treatment in London
Treatment
Neck pain treatment at London Wellness
Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our London clinics. It can be a dull ache after a long day at a screen, a stiff neck you wake up with, or sharp pain that spreads into your shoulder, arm or head.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists start by finding out what is driving your neck pain, then ease it with hands-on treatment and give you a plan to stop it coming back. We see patients at our Canary Wharf clinic and at Monument in the City of London.
How a chiropractor helps neck pain
We always start by easing the pain you have now, then work on whatever caused it, so you are not back in a few weeks with the same problem. Depending on what your assessment shows, neck pain treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments and joint mobilisation to free stiff joints in the neck and upper back
- Soft tissue work, deep tissue massage and trigger point release for tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Dry needling where it suits your condition
- Exercises to rebuild strength and mobility, plus posture and desk set-up advice
- A clear short- and long-term treatment plan, reviewed as you improve
We regularly treat stiff necks, neck and shoulder pain, a bulging disc in the neck and a trapped nerve in the neck or shoulder.
Common causes of neck pain
Most neck pain comes from the joints, muscles and discs of the neck being overloaded rather than from serious damage. Common causes we see include:
- Long hours at a laptop or phone, often called tech neck
- Sleeping awkwardly or on an unsupportive pillow
- Sudden movements and impacts, including whiplash
- Stress, which tightens the muscles across the shoulders and neck
- Wear and tear in the neck joints as we get older
Neck problems often bring other symptoms with them, particularly tension headaches and shoulder pain.
When to get neck pain checked urgently
Most neck pain settles with the right care, but contact your GP or NHS 111 straight away if your neck pain follows a serious fall or accident, or comes with a high temperature, a severe headache, numbness or weakness in both arms, or difficulty walking or controlling your bladder.
Easing neck pain at home
Alongside treatment, small daily changes make a big difference to a sore neck:
- Set your screen at eye level and keep your laptop on a stand rather than your lap
- Take a short movement break every 30 to 45 minutes when working at a desk
- Use one supportive pillow that keeps your neck level with your spine
- Apply gentle heat to tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Keep moving gently; complete rest usually makes a stiff neck stiffer
Your first neck pain appointment
Your first chiropractic visit is a 60-minute assessment (£95). We ask about your symptoms, work and sleep, then examine how your neck, upper back and shoulders move and check your nerves. At a second visit we explain what we found and agree a plan with you. Follow-up treatments take around 15 minutes (£65). Physiotherapy assessments last 45 minutes. See our full price list; many patients also claim through private medical insurance.
Neck pain treatment FAQs
Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for neck pain?
Both can help. Chiropractic focuses on hands-on treatment of the joints of the neck and upper back, while physiotherapy leans more on exercise-based rehabilitation. Many patients benefit from both. Read our guide to chiropractic vs physiotherapy.
How quickly can neck pain treatment help?
Many people feel easier movement within the first few sessions, but it depends on what is causing the pain and how long you have had it. Your clinician will give you a realistic timescale after your assessment.
Is it safe to have my neck adjusted?
Our chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council and assess you thoroughly before treating. If neck adjustments are not right for you, gentler techniques such as mobilisation and soft tissue work are used instead.
Can a trapped nerve in the neck cause arm pain?
Yes. Irritation of a nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling or numbness down the arm. Find out more about trapped nerve treatment.
Why do I wake up with a stiff neck?
Usually because of an awkward sleeping position or an unsupportive pillow, often on top of neck muscles that are already tight from desk work or stress. If it keeps happening, an assessment can find out why.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Yes. Tension and stiffness in the upper neck commonly cause headaches felt at the back of the head or behind the eyes. See our headache and migraine treatment.
Where can I get neck pain treatment in London?
We treat neck pain at our Canary Wharf clinic in the Port East Building and at our Monument clinic in the City of London.