Neck Pain Physiotherapy in Brisbane.
Neck pain is remarkably common — and often underestimated. Whether it’s a sharp ache after sleeping awkwardly, persistent stiffness from desk work, or nerve pain shooting into the arm, neck pain can significantly impact your concentration, sleep, and daily activities.
At Moov Physio, our physiotherapists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating neck conditions, including cervicogenic headache, nerve-related symptoms, and posture-driven pain.
Types of Neck Pain We Treat.
Mechanical Neck Pain
The most common type — arising from joints, muscles, or discs in the cervical spine. Often linked to posture, prolonged sitting, or sudden movements.
Cervicogenic Headache
Headaches originating from the upper cervical (neck) joints — often felt behind the eye or across the forehead. Frequently misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headache. Our physiotherapists are trained in the Watson Headache Approach for accurate assessment and treatment.
[View Watson Headache Technique →]
Cervical Disc Herniation / Radiculopathy
A bulging or herniated disc in the neck compressing a nerve root, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)
Neck pain and stiffness following a motor vehicle accident, fall, or sudden impact. Can include headache, dizziness, and cognitive symptoms.
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
Sudden-onset neck stiffness and pain with head tilting to one side. Very responsive to physiotherapy treatment.
Cervical Spondylosis
Age-related wear of the cervical spine’s joints and discs, causing stiffness, aching, and sometimes nerve symptoms.
Signs You Need a Physiotherapist for Your Neck
Neck pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks
Stiffness that limits your ability to turn your head
Headaches that seem to start at the base of the skull
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Dizziness or light-headedness with neck movement
Pain that’s worse after sitting at a desk or looking at a screen
⚠️ Seek urgent care if neck pain follows trauma and is associated with neurological symptoms (weakness, loss of coordination), or is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe night pain.
How We Treat Neck Pain
| Treatment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Joint Mobilisation | Restoring cervical spine mobility and reducing pain |
| Soft Tissue Therapy | Releasing neck, shoulder, and upper back muscle tension |
| Watson Headache Technique | Targeted treatment for cervicogenic headache |
| Neural Mobilisation | Releasing irritated nerves causing arm symptoms |
| Dry Needling | Deactivating trigger points in the neck and shoulder girdle |
| Deep Neck Flexor Training | Retraining the stabilising muscles of the cervical spine |
| Postural Re-education | Correcting forward head posture and screen habits |
| Exercise Prescription | Strengthening neck and shoulder stabilisers |
| Ergonomic Assessment | Desk, screen, and pillow setup to reduce ongoing strain |
The Watson Headache Approach
If you experience frequent headaches alongside your neck pain, the Watson Headache Approach may be the answer. Developed by physiotherapist Dean Watson, this technique identifies and treats specific upper cervical joint dysfunction that is often the underlying driver of cervicogenic headaches and many migraines.
Moov Physio physiotherapists trained in this technique have helped many patients significantly reduce or eliminate headaches that had persisted for years.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Acute, simple neck pain often resolves in 2–3 sessions. Whiplash and nerve-related symptoms typically need 8–12 sessions. Cervicogenic headache may require a longer program but often responds very well to the Watson Approach.
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Occasional cracking is generally harmless. However, if you feel the urge to crack your neck frequently for relief, this may indicate underlying joint dysfunction that physiotherapy can address properly.
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In most cases, yes — conservative management with physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for cervical disc herniation and is successful in the majority of patients without surgery.
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Yes. Our mobile physiotherapy service can treat neck pain at your home across Brisbane. [View Mobile Physio →]
