Neck pain that will not settle: what physiotherapy in Reading involves

A sore neck that keeps coming back can make work, driving and sleep harder. This guide explains when seeing a physiotherapist may be worthwhile, which symptoms need your GP or urgent help instead, and what an assessment at Kinetic Care Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Clinic involves.

What may be behind pain that keeps coming back?

It rarely has one explanation. Everyday factors may play a part, though none is a proven cause:

• Long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, which may add to stiffness.
• Stress, which can leave your shoulders and neck feeling tight.
• A pillow that tilts your head at night.
• An old muscle strain, or an injury to a ligament or tendon, which may leave the area more sensitive.

None of these is a diagnosis. Assessment looks for underlying causes in the context of your own life.

When is it worth seeing a physio for your neck?

An assessment could be worthwhile if:

• Your pain or stiffness has lasted more than a few weeks, or keeps returning.
• You have shoulder pain, or pain that spreads into your arm. Shoulder pain is sometimes linked to the neck rather than to the rotator cuff, and assessment can help tell the two apart.
• You get headaches that seem linked to your neck.
• It limits your work, your driving or your sleep.

If so, seeing a physio in Reading is a sensible next step. You do not need a diagnosis first.

When should you see your GP or get urgent help instead?

Most of this article is about persistent, non-urgent neck pain. Some symptoms, however, should not wait for a physiotherapy appointment. Please call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden, severe symptoms, or if you are worried that something serious is happening.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if your neck pain comes with any of the following:

• Neck pain after a fall, an accident or a head injury.
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in both arms or both legs.
• Loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking.
• Problems with bladder or bowel control.
• Fever together with a stiff neck, a headache, a rash or sensitivity to light.
• Unexplained weight loss, or feeling generally unwell.
• Severe pain that is constant and does not ease at night.
• Neck pain alongside chest pain or breathlessness.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms belong on this list, err on the side of caution and call NHS 111 for advice.

A physiotherapist screens for these warning signs at your assessment. If anything you describe, or anything found on examination, suggests you need medical attention, your physiotherapist will tell you and refer you on where appropriate.

What happens at a physio assessment for your neck?

You see Rupali Mandve, an HCPC-registered physiotherapist who also practises Western acupuncture. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the muscles, joints and nerves of the neck, so the aim is to address the underlying causes of your symptoms, not only where it hurts. Your assessment typically covers:

1. Your medical history. When the pain began, what eases it and what your working day involves.
2. A physical examination. Your range of motion, muscle strength and posture, including movement around the joints of the neck and upper back, plus tests that help screen for anything needing referral.
3. A plain explanation. What may be going on and what may be contributing.
4. A tailored treatment plan. Agreed with you, with a focus on movement and self-management.

A scan such as an MRI is not usually needed before treatment, and your physiotherapist or GP can advise if one might be.

What does physiotherapy treatment for neck pain involve?

Rupali offers a range of treatments, used only where your assessment supports them. Neck pain treatment options may include:

• Manual therapy and soft tissue work. Gentle hands-on techniques to joints, muscles and connective tissue, which aim to support movement and comfort.
• Neural tissue mobilisation. Movements that aim to help nerves glide more freely when symptoms travel towards the shoulder or arm.
• Taping, IASTM and dry cupping. Kinesiology tape, smooth-edged tools and suction cups used on soft tissue.
• Exercise rehabilitation. An exercise programme to build strength and mobility in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
• Western acupuncture and dry needling. Fine, single-use needles that, in Western terms, stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. They are used alongside exercise, not on their own.
• Electrotherapy. Interferential therapy (electrical stimulation through pads), therapeutic ultrasound and TECAR (a device that passes a radiofrequency current through the tissues, felt as warmth).

None of these comes with a promised result. Treatment aims to support your strength and function, and Rupali will explain anything suggested before you agree to it.

What can you do at home before your first physio session?

Simple pain management and rehabilitation habits may take some load off a sore neck. They are no substitute for assessment, and if anything increases your symptoms, stop and speak to a healthcare professional. Your rehabilitation and recovery plan will build on these with exercises matched to you.

• Raise your screen to roughly eye level, and bring your phone up rather than tipping your head down.
• Change position regularly, and move your neck and shoulders gently within comfort. Never push into sharp pain.
• Choose a pillow height that keeps your head roughly in line with your spine.

Where is Kinetic Care in Reading, Berkshire?

Kinetic Care is a physiotherapy clinic at Green Park, Reading, Berkshire RG2 6UB, close to the M4 at junction 11. As well as back and neck pain, Rupali treats a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. Each problem is assessed on its own terms, and treatment is planned with you. Each specific injury is assessed on its own terms, and patient care is planned with you.

Common questions about your neck

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can self-refer to private physiotherapy. If your symptoms suggest you need medical attention, Rupali will advise you to see your GP.

Should I rest or keep moving?

Keep up your normal activities as far as is comfortable, rather than keeping your neck still. Avoid movements that clearly increase your pain.

How many sessions will I need?

This cannot be predicted in advance. It depends on what your assessment finds, how your neck responds and what you want to achieve.

Ready to talk about your neck?

A Reading physio assessment can help you understand what may be contributing and what to do next. You can read more about neck pain and stiffness on the Kinetic Care website.

If you would like someone to listen, explain and build a plan around you, book your initial assessment online, or call 07350 350265 to ask any questions first.