Neck Pain
Conditions
Neck pain treatment in South Bristol
The chiropractors and osteopaths at the Bristol Back Pain Clinic are experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating mechanical neck pain. Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at the clinic explains: “Mechanical neck pain means pain arising from the muscles, joints, discs, and ligaments of the cervical spine. We regularly see patients suffering from mechanical neck pain at our South Bristol clinic, so if you’re looking for neck pain relief, you can rest assured that it is something we have helped with many times before.”
Symptoms of neck pain
Whether it’s neck stiffness and pain, pain at the base of the neck, an aching feeling after a long day at your desk or a sharp twinge of neck pain when turning your head, a sore neck is a nuisance many of us know all too well. Your neck is a hardworking part of your body. It supports the full weight of your head (roughly 5kg) and allows for a wide range of movement. However, that also makes it vulnerable to strain and injury. In addition, worry, stress, or long hours spent at a desk can all result in pain in the neck, with neck pain after sleeping common too. Neck pain can range from a mild discomfort to a continuous dull ache and often neck pain and shoulder pain can come hand in hand, with neck pain extending across the shoulders and between the shoulder blades. Often movement in the neck becomes stiff, and sometimes the tension can cause patients to experience neck pain and headaches too. For some, persistent neck pain can become chronic neck pain, an ongoing daily problem that affects mood, ability to concentrate, and even sleep.
Common causes of neck pain
There are many common causes and types of mechanical neck pain including:
Cervical muscle strain
Cervical muscle strain is one of the most common forms of mechanical neck pain and occurs when the muscles of the neck are overstretched or develop small tears. This often happens due to prolonged poor posture, sudden movements, stress-related tension, or sleeping in an awkward position. People typically experience localized pain, tightness, and stiffness, with discomfort when turning or tilting the head. Chiropractors and osteopaths commonly help manage this condition through hands-on soft tissue techniques, gentle joint work, and advice on posture and movement to reduce muscle tension and support recovery.
Cervical facet joint pain or dysfunction
Cervical facet joint dysfunction involves irritation or restricted movement of the small joints located between the vertebrae in the neck. These joints guide and control spinal movement, but they can become stiff or painful due to repetitive strain, poor posture, minor injuries, or normal age-related changes. Symptoms often include pain on one side of the neck, discomfort when turning the head, and pain that may spread into the upper back or shoulder. Manual therapies such as mobilisation or manipulation are commonly used by chiropractors and osteopaths to restore movement and reduce joint irritation.
Postural neck pain or ‘Tech Neck’
Postural neck pain, often referred to as ‘tech neck’ is neck pain from computer work or phone use and develops when the neck is held in a forward-leaning position for long periods, such as when using smartphones, laptops, or other screens. Over time, this sustained posture places increased strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper shoulders. People often experience a dull ache in the neck, tightness in the upper trapezius muscles, and sometimes headaches. Chiropractors and osteopaths typically address this condition by improving joint mobility, releasing muscle tension, and providing guidance on posture and workstation ergonomics.
Cervical joint stiffness / hypomobility
Cervical joint stiffness, also known as hypomobility, occurs when one or more joints in the neck do not move as freely as they should. This may result from prolonged sitting, lack of regular movement, or minor strains that cause the surrounding tissues to tighten. People often notice difficulty turning their head fully, stiffness after long periods in one position, or a feeling that the neck is “locked” or restricted. Chiropractors and osteopaths frequently treat this type of mechanical neck pain using joint mobilisation techniques and targeted exercises to restore normal movement.
Tension neck pain
Tension neck pain is commonly associated with increased muscle tightness caused by stress, fatigue, or sustained static postures. The muscles of the neck and shoulders may become overactive and tender, leading to a persistent feeling of tightness and discomfort. This type of neck pain is often accompanied by tension-type headaches and upper back stiffness. Chiropractors and osteopaths typically focus on reducing muscular tension through soft tissue techniques, improving mobility in the neck and upper back, and advising on strategies to manage stress and posture.
Effective treatment for neck pain in South Bristol
Chiropractors and osteopaths are trained to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as mechanical neck pain, and are neck pain specialists. When you visit our South Bristol clinic for neck pain treatment, you will first receive a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history and performing a physical examination. Your practitioner may refer you for additional tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests if necessary. Your practitioner will then explain what is causing the problem, what can be done and what you can expect from treatment. After you have had your assessment and agreed on the proposed plan of management, treatment can begin.
Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains: “Once the cause of your neck pain has been identified, this can be addressed with chiropractic or osteopathic care. The main aim with chiropractic or osteopathy treatment for neck pain is to get you moving comfortably and pain-free again using a range of effective treatment techniques for neck pain.”
Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains: “Once the cause of your neck pain has been identified, this can be addressed with chiropractic or osteopathic care. The main aim with chiropractic or osteopathy treatment for neck pain is to get you moving comfortably and pain-free again using a range of effective treatment techniques for neck pain.”
Chiropractic and osteopathic treatment for neck pain
Our chiropractors and osteopaths use a number of different manual techniques to treat neck pain such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue massage, and mobilisation, which can help relieve tension, restore proper alignment, and improve mobility in your neck. Our practitioners can also offer postural and lifestyle advice to help with neck pain, so if your pain stems from poor posture, repetitive strain, or ergonomics, we’ll help identify and address those habits by providing practical tips and ergonomic advice for neck pain that you can implement straight away. In addition, we can provide tailored stretches and neck pain rehabilitation exercises to help you actively support your recovery and prevent recurrence.
For tips on how to manage and prevent neck pain at home, see our focus on neck pain blog. However, if you are experiencing neck pain that persists for more than a few days, worsens despite self-care, or limits your range of motion, book an appointment with one of our neck pain specialists.
For tips on how to manage and prevent neck pain at home, see our focus on neck pain blog. However, if you are experiencing neck pain that persists for more than a few days, worsens despite self-care, or limits your range of motion, book an appointment with one of our neck pain specialists.
