Neck Pain Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Help for neck pain and stiffness

Neck pain is very common. It affects desk workers, drivers, parents and athletes alike. Left alone, it can hang around, limit how you move and contribute to headaches.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess how your neck and upper back move, what aggravates your pain and what your day looks like. Then we build a plan that combines hands-on treatment with exercises to restore movement and build strength.

Thorough neck and upper back assessment

Soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation

Help with tension-type and neck-related headaches

Practical desk and posture advice

Strength work for the neck, shoulders and upper back

No GP referral needed to book

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What's causing your neck pain?

Muscle Strain

Overuse, a sudden movement or long spells in one position can overload the neck muscles. This is common in people who spend a lot of time at a screen.

Disc Irritation

A bulging or irritated disc in the neck can sensitise nearby nerves, causing local pain and sometimes symptoms into the shoulder, arm or hand.

Facet Joint Irritation

Irritation of the small joints between the neck vertebrae, causing local stiffness and pain that can be worse when turning or looking up.

Whiplash

A sudden jolt to the neck, often from a car accident. If you've had a significant accident, get checked by a doctor before starting treatment.

Neck-Related Headaches

Headaches that start in the upper neck, often felt at the base of the skull and spreading towards the forehead or behind the eyes.

Age-Related Changes

Changes in the neck joints and discs are a normal part of ageing. They can cause stiffness and aching, but they don't always cause pain.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

Neck pain after a significant fall, car accident or blow to the head: go to A&E

Dizziness, double vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking, or sudden falls: call 999 or go to A&E

Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in both arms or both legs, or problems with balance or walking: seek urgent medical help

Neck stiffness with a fever, a severe headache or a rash: call 999 or NHS 111 straight away

Unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer: see your GP promptly

Neck pain help near you

At our clinics in Cambridge, Bishop's Stortford, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham, we see plenty of people with stiff, sore necks from desk work, driving and training. We'll assess, treat and give you a short set of exercises that fit into your day.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

Neck pain questions answered

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain has many causes, including muscle strain, long spells in one position, an irritated disc or joint, whiplash and age-related changes. Tension-type headaches and headaches that start in the neck are also common. A proper assessment helps us work out the best approach for you.

Can physiotherapy or sports therapy help with neck pain?

Many people find it helps. Our physiotherapists and sports therapists use soft tissue therapy, gentle joint mobilisation and targeted exercise to ease tension and restore movement. We'll also look at the habits and loads that may be keeping it going.

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Yes. Headaches that start in the neck, often called cervicogenic headaches, are common. They're usually felt at the base of the skull and can spread to the forehead or behind the eyes. Working on the neck can help with this type of headache. Migraine is different and should be managed with your GP.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Neck Pain
Treatment

Help for neck pain and stiffness