Physio for neck pain
A physio can help if neck pain or stiffness has not gone after a few weeks, keeps coming back, or stops you turning your head, sleeping or working. The NHS lists neck pain among the joint and muscle problems physiotherapy is used for.
Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks, so gentle movement and self-care come first. A few symptoms need NHS 111 or a GP instead, so check the warning signs on this page before anything else.
- When to get it looked at
- See a GP or a physio if the pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks.
- How long it tends to take
- The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks.
- Getting a physio
- In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can pay privately.
Does this sound familiar?
- You woke up with a stiff neck and it hurts to turn your head.
- It aches after a long day at a desk or looking down at a screen.
- Checking over your shoulder, for example when driving, is hard.
- It started after a jolt, such as a car accident or a fall, and has been stiff since.
- It settles, then comes back every few weeks or months.
These are common ways people describe neck pain. They are not a diagnosis. If you recognise them, check where it hurts to see a suggested next step.
Common causes of neck pain
The NHS lists these as the most common causes of neck pain. Do not try to work out the cause yourself: a physio or GP can assess it.
| What people notice | What the NHS lists as a possible cause |
|---|---|
| Stiff and sore when you wake up | Your neck locking in an awkward position while you sleep |
| Worse after long spells at a desk | Posture, for example sitting at a desk for a long time |
| Pain that comes with tingling in your arm | A pinched nerve |
| Came on after a car accident or a fall | An injury, such as whiplash |
When to get help first
If you have neck pain and any of these, do not wait to see a physio. This is the same list our check asks, taken from the NHS pages below. If you are not sure, call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E
If you have neck pain and:
- Sudden pain, pressure or tightness in your chest that does not go awayIncluding chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with sweating, feeling sick, light-headed or short of breath.
- Your face has dropped on one side, you cannot lift both arms, or your speech is slurredEven if it has stopped. These are signs of a stroke.
- New weakness or numbness down one side, loss of sight, trouble finding words, or dizziness with falling over
- A headache that started suddenly and is extremely painful
- A very high temperature with a stiff neck, or bright light hurts your eyes
Get help from NHS 111, or ask for an urgent GP appointment
If you have neck pain and:
- You feel hot, cold or shivery, or generally unwell, as well as the pain
- Tingling or pins and needles on one or both sides of your body, or weak hands, arms or legsOr trouble walking or sitting upright, or a sudden electric-shock feeling in your neck and back.
See a GP
If you have neck pain and:
- You have lost weight without trying to
- Pins and needles in your arm, or an arm that feels cold
What you can do now
If none of the warning signs apply, the NHS suggests:
- Use a low, firm pillow.
- Put a heat pack or a cold pack wrapped in a tea towel on your neck.
- Try gentle neck exercises to keep it moving.
- Do not wear a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to.
See a GP or a physio if the pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks.
What a physio usually does
The NHS lists neck pain among the joint and muscle problems physiotherapy is used for.
- At a first appointment, a physio asks about your symptoms, your health and your daily life, and may check how you move, your strength and your balance.
- Treatment may include exercises to improve movement and build strength, and manual therapy, where the physio uses their hands to massage and move the area.
- You usually get advice on managing your symptoms and exercises to do at home between sessions.
In many areas of England you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy through community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, without seeing a GP first. Waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physio privately. The NHS says to check they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
How long neck pain tends to take
The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. Everyone is different, and a physio or GP can tell you more once they have assessed you.
Questions people ask about neck pain
Can a physio help with neck pain?
Yes. The NHS lists neck pain among the bone, joint and muscle problems physiotherapy is used for. A physio asks how it started and what makes it worse, checks how your neck moves, and gives you exercises and advice. They may also use their hands to massage and move the area.
Should I see a GP or a physio for neck pain?
With none of the warning signs on this page, you can go straight to a physio: in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy, or you can pay privately. The NHS says to see a GP if the pain or stiffness has not gone after a few weeks or painkillers have not worked.
Should I wear a neck collar?
Usually not. The NHS advises against wearing a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to, because it is better to keep your neck moving. Gentle neck exercises, a low firm pillow and a heat or cold pack wrapped in a tea towel are the self-care it suggests first.
Is it safe to drive with a stiff neck?
The NHS says not to do anything that could be dangerous because you cannot move your neck, such as driving or cycling. If you cannot turn your head far enough to check over your shoulder, wait until you can, and ask a physio or GP if it is not easing after a few weeks.
What is the best way to sleep with neck pain?
The NHS suggests a low, firm pillow and a firm mattress, with your head at the same height as the rest of your body. It also suggests not sleeping on your front and not twisting your neck in bed. During the day, avoid keeping your neck in one position for a long time.
Sources
- NHS: Back pain page reviewed
- NHS: Neck pain page reviewed
- NHS: Whiplash page reviewed
- NHS: Shoulder pain page reviewed
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain page reviewed
- NHS: Hip pain in adults page reviewed
- NHS: Chest pain page reviewed
- NHS: Headaches page reviewed
- NHS: Stroke: symptoms page reviewed
- NHS: Meningitis page reviewed
- NHS: Septic arthritis page reviewed
- NHS: Unintentional weight loss page reviewed
- NHS: Physiotherapy page reviewed
- NHS: Get NHS help for back or joint problems page reviewed
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A physio or GP can assess your own situation.