Do you wake up with a stiff or aching neck that seems to follow you all day? You’re certainly not alone—up to 70% of adults will experience neck pain at some point in life. While some cases are short-lived, others can linger, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
As osteopaths, we see neck pain as more than a local issue. We consider your entire body, daily habits, and emotional health. This holistic approach allows us to treat the root causes—not just manage the symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes neck pain and how osteopathy can help. You’ll also find tips for preventing discomfort and knowing when to seek support.
Key Takeaways
Neck pain affects most adults eventually, often caused by poor posture, muscle strain, joint issues, or stress. “Tech neck” from device use is increasingly common, placing up to 12 kilos of extra pressure on your neck. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach by examining how your entire body contributes to neck problems. Treatment combines hands-on techniques with personalized exercises and lifestyle adjustments. Early intervention prevents chronic issues from developing. Don’t ignore persistent pain or symptoms like numbness or weakness that require immediate attention. Understanding what’s causing your neck pain is the first step toward effective, lasting relief. If you are experiencing neck pain, book your comprehensive osteopathic assessment and start your journey to a pain-free neck!
Postural Stress: The Price of Our Modern Lives:
Posture is one of the most overlooked causes of neck discomfort. The rise of smartphones, tablets, and laptops has created a perfect storm for poor posture. A condition known as “tech neck” is becoming increasingly common, even among teenagers.
Tilting your head just 15 degrees forward increases the load on your neck by about 12 kilograms. At 60 degrees, this increases to nearly 27 kilograms—the weight of a small child! Over time, this added strain exhausts your muscles, compresses your joints, and irritates soft tissues.
Prolonged sitting at desks or in cars also contributes. Office workers often sit for hours in poorly set-up workstations, leading to muscle fatigue. A 2021 study showed that 60% of office workers regularly experience neck or shoulder pain.
In osteopathic practice, we focus on both treating the tension and correcting postural habits. We also offer advice on ergonomics and stretches to protect your neck throughout the day.
Your neck muscles work hard every day to support the weight of your head. When pushed too far—through lifting, twisting, or repetitive movements—they can become strained.
Common causes include:
The levator scapulae and upper trapezius are often involved in neck strain. These muscles link your neck to your upper back and shoulders. When they tighten or develop trigger points, pain may radiate into the head or upper back.
Osteopaths use soft tissue techniques to ease muscle tension, promote blood flow, and aid healing. This hands-on work is gentle yet highly effective, especially when paired with stretching and strengthening.
Joint Dysfunction: When Movement Becomes a Struggle
The neck has seven vertebrae joined by facet joints, which allow smooth movement. These joints can become stiff, inflamed, or misaligned due to trauma or repetitive strain.
Facet joint issues often cause:
As we age, these joints can be affected by osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear changes. While these changes are normal, they may cause pain when inflammation or stiffness sets in.
In osteopathy, we use mobilisation techniques to restore movement in affected joints gently. We also assess the rest of the spine and shoulders to ensure the neck isn’t compensating for other areas. A well-balanced spine reduces strain on the cervical region and helps prevent future issues.
Disc Problems: When the Cushion Becomes the Culprit
Between each neck vertebra lies an intervertebral disc—a gel-filled cushion that absorbs shock. These discs can sometimes bulge or herniate, pressing on nearby nerves.
When this happens, symptoms may include:
A 2020 systematic review found that cervical disc herniation affects 1.8 per 1,000 people annually. The good news is that many disc issues respond well to conservative care, like osteopathy.
Whiplash and Trauma: The Lingering Effects of Sudden Injury
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement—often from car accidents. It can also result from sports injuries, falls, or sudden jolts during physical activity.
Whiplash can damage:
Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. Some people recover quickly, while others develop chronic whiplash-associated disorders.
Research shows that early management reduces the risk of long-term symptoms. Osteopaths provide gentle care in the acute phase, followed by long-term support as needed. We look at the whole body to correct compensations and restore fluid, balanced movement.
Have you ever noticed that stress “sits on your shoulders”? There’s a reason for that—your neck is highly sensitive to emotional and psychological tension.
When we’re anxious or under pressure, we often hold tension in the scalene, trapezius, and suboccipital muscles. Over time, this leads to:
Studies show a strong link between chronic stress, poor sleep, and increased musculoskeletal pain. Stress also reduces pain tolerance and increases inflammation in the body.
Osteopathy recognises the mind-body connection and incorporates relaxation strategies into care. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and gentle movement help restore calm and balance. Combined with hands-on therapy, this creates lasting relief for stress-related neck tension.
Osteopathy treats the body as a whole, not just the painful area. Neck pain may originate from the feet, hips, or even your breathing mechanics. We begin with a thorough assessment, looking at:
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
A 2019 study found osteopathic care significantly reduced neck pain and improved daily function. Patients reported better mobility, reduced pain, and improved quality of life with regular care.
Home Care and Prevention: What You Can Do
Osteopathy doesn’t end at the clinic door. You’ll often receive personalised advice for stretching, movement, and posture at home.
We may recommend:
By developing body awareness and self-care routines, you can maintain the benefits of treatment. Research shows that combining manual therapy with exercise produces the best long-term results.
When to Seek Help: Understanding Red Flags
While most neck pain is not serious, there are signs that warrant medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
Osteopaths are trained to identify these red flags and refer appropriately. Early assessment can help you avoid complications and start recovery sooner.
Take Control of Your Neck Health Today:
Neck pain may be common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Left untreated, it can become chronic and affect many parts of your life. The sooner you address the underlying causes, the better your recovery will be.
Osteopathy offers a compassionate, effective, and natural approach to neck pain. We focus not just on where it hurts—but why it’s hurting, and how to fix it.
Ready to take a holistic step toward relief? Book an osteopathic consultation and give your neck the care it deserves. Or share your story in the comments—we’re here to listen, support, and help.
Luis is an empathetic osteopath whose gentle approach has helped countless patients find relief from pain and discomfort. With his warm personality and expert hands, Luis creates personalized treatment plans that address both your immediate symptoms and long-term wellbeing. His patients appreciate his thoughtful nature and ability to explain complex conditions in simple terms.
Originating from over in New Zealand, Luis developed a love for osteopathy and manual care from a young age, due to its holistic nature. With a special interest in manual therapy, anxiety and related breathing activities. You will find the care you need with Luis.
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About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 6PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday 8AM – 2PM
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