Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Neck pain treatment: a guide from the Bodyline Health team at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty.
Watch the video
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
Woken up with a stiff, twisted neck? A short video from Dr Phil about torticollis, also known as wry neck.
Why neck pain is so common
Your neck balances a head that weighs around five kilograms, all day, through a stack of small joints, discs and muscles. Long periods looking down at a screen, sleeping awkwardly, stress and sudden strains all add load.
Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people visit Bodyline Health in Lower Plenty, from desk workers to tradies and athletes.
Common causes of neck pain
- Joint stiffness in the neck and upper back, often from sustained postures
- Muscle strain and trigger points in the upper trapezius and shoulder blade muscles
- Wry neck – waking with a stiff, twisted neck. See wry neck (torticollis).
- Whiplash after a car accident or fall – see whiplash treatment
- Disc or nerve irritation, which can send pain or tingling into the arm
- Arthritis, more common as we get older
How neck pain is assessed
We ask about how the pain started, your work and sleep, and any headaches, dizziness or arm symptoms. We then check neck and upper back movement, muscle tone, and nerve function in the arms.
Most neck pain does not need imaging. Where X-ray is clinically indicated, it is available onsite.
Neck pain treatment options
Keep it moving
Gentle, regular movement within comfort helps more than holding the neck still. Slow turns, tilts and chin tucks through the day are a good start.
Hands-on care
Joint mobilisation or adjustment of the neck and upper back, soft tissue work and dry needling can ease pain and restore movement.
Strength and posture
Deep neck flexor and shoulder blade exercises build support. Our page on poor posture treatment explains more.
Fix the set-up
Raise your screen to eye level, bring the keyboard close and take a short break every 30 minutes. A pillow that keeps your neck level matters too.
Neck pain and headaches
Stiff upper neck joints and tight muscles can refer pain into the head. If your headaches start at the base of the skull, read about headache and migraine treatment.
Who at Bodyline Health can help with neck pain?
Because our practitioners work under one roof, your care can be shared between people who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): assessment, onsite X-ray when indicated and chiropractic care for the neck and upper back.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): exercise-based rehabilitation for the neck and shoulders.
- Keryn Arrowsmith (Myotherapist): myotherapy and dry needling for neck and shoulder tension.
- Jack Robertson (Remedial Massage Therapist): remedial massage for tight neck and upper back muscles.
When to seek urgent medical help
Get urgent medical help if neck pain follows a significant fall or accident, or comes with severe headache, fever and a stiff neck, new weakness, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or numbness in both arms. In an emergency, call 000.
Further reading: Neck pain (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
How long does neck pain last?
Most neck pain improves within a few days to a few weeks. Pain that lasts longer, or keeps coming back, is worth having assessed.
Is it safe to crack my own neck?
Repeatedly clicking your own neck usually gives only brief relief. It is better to find out why it feels stiff.
Do I need a referral?
No. A referral is not needed for a standard appointment at Bodyline Health.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
