Understanding Neck Pain: Causes & How Physiotherapy Can Help

Neck pain is a common complaint affecting people of all ages, from office workers to athletes. Whether it’s caused by sustained postures, muscle imbalances, stress, or injury, persistent neck discomfort can impact daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.

At PhysioPM in Townsville, we specialise in identifying the root causes of your neck pain and providing targeted physiotherapy treatments to relieve symptoms and restore function.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain can result from muscular, joint, or nerve-related issues. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Poor Posture & Lifestyle Factors

📱 Tech Neck – Spending too much time looking at screens can strain the neck and upper back.
💺 Sedentary Work – Long hours at a desk without ergonomic support can cause stiffness and discomfort.

2. Muscular Strains & Tension

🔹 Trapezius & Shoulder Tightness – Stress and poor posture often cause tight, overworked muscles.
🔹 Muscular Strains - Heavy lifting or changes in your weightlifting programming
🔹 Jaw & TMJ Dysfunction – Clenching or grinding teeth can contribute to neck and facial pain.

3. Joint & Disc-Related Conditions

💢 Facet Joint Irritation – Small joints in the cervical spine can become inflamed and stiff, leading to pain with movement.
📏 Cervical Disc Herniation – Bulging or herniated discs can press on nerves, causing radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms.
🔁 Reduced Neck Mobility – Stiff vertebrae can make turning your head difficult and painful.

4. Injury & Trauma

🚗 Whiplash from Car Accidents – A sudden force can cause ligament sprains, muscle damage, and nerve irritation.
🏃 Sports-Related Injuries – Collisions or repetitive impact can strain the neck, shoulders, and upper spine.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Neck Pain

At PhysioPM in Townsville, our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to diagnose and treat neck pain effectively.

1. Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis

We start with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain, including:

✔ Postural & movement analysis – Identifying dysfunctional movement patterns.
✔ Orthopaedic & neurological tests – Checking for nerve compression, disc issues, and muscle activation.
✔ Strength & flexibility testing – Assessing weak muscles and mobility restrictions.

2. Hands-On Pain Relief Techniques

If you’re experiencing acute or chronic neck pain, we use targeted treatments to reduce discomfort and restore function, including:

✔ Manual therapy & joint mobilisations – Improving neck mobility and reducing stiffness.
✔ Soft tissue massage & trigger point release – Easing muscle tension and improving pain.
✔ Dry needling – Relieving pain and tension.
✔ Taping & postural support – Providing short-term relief and reducing strain.

3. Strengthening & Movement Retraining

Once the pain is under control, we focus on restoring strength, mobility, and proper movement patterns with:

🏋️ Neck & shoulder stability exercises – Strengthening deep neck flexors and postural muscles.
🧘 Stretching & mobility drills – Addressing stiffness in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
💺 Postural advice – Correcting desk and work-related habits to reduce future pain.

4. Long-Term Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications

To prevent recurring neck pain, we help you implement:

✔ Workplace & ergonomic adjustments – Optimising desk setup, screen height, and chair support.
✔ Pillow & sleep recommendations
✔ Lifestyle & relaxation techniques – Managing stress-related tension and improving movement efficiency.

Take Control of Your Neck Pain Today

If you’re struggling with persistent neck pain, early intervention is key to prevent long-term issues.

At PhysioPM in Townsville, we take a holistic approach to neck pain, ensuring you receive personalised, hands-on treatment and expert guidance.

📍 Visit us at 57 Park Street, Pimlico
📞 Contact us today to book an appointment and start your journey to a pain-free neck!