Neck Pain Physiotherapy in Bundoora

Neck pain is now one of the most common conditions presenting to Australian physiotherapy clinics — rivalling lower back pain. With the rise of desk work, smartphone use, and sedentary lifestyles, postural neck pain is affecting people younger than ever. The good news: physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available for the full spectrum of neck conditions.

Common Neck Conditions We Treat

Postural Neck Pain

The most common neck presentation we see. Prolonged forward head posture — from desk work, driving, or screen use — places enormous load on the cervical spine joints and deep neck muscles. Over time, this causes pain, stiffness, and muscle fatigue. Treatment addresses both the immediate pain and the underlying postural habits.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches that originate from the upper cervical (C1–C3) joints and muscles. These are frequently misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraine. They are typically one-sided, start in the neck or base of the skull, and may radiate to the forehead, eye, or temples. Physiotherapy — specifically upper cervical joint mobilisation and deep neck flexor training — is one of the most effective treatments for this condition.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the neck is rapidly flexed and extended, most commonly in motor vehicle accidents. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, dizziness, and jaw pain. Early physiotherapy intervention is strongly associated with faster recovery and reduced risk of developing chronic symptoms. If your whiplash resulted from a road accident in Victoria, it is likely covered by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Cervical Radiculopathy (Referred Arm Pain)

When a disc or bone spur in the neck compresses a nerve root, it can cause pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand. This is often confused with carpal tunnel syndrome or shoulder problems. Physiotherapy uses nerve mobilisation, cervical joint mobilisation, and targeted exercise to relieve nerve compression and restore function.

Neck Stiffness (Wry Neck / Acute Torticollis)

Acute wry neck causes sudden severe neck pain and stiffness, often triggered by sleeping in an awkward position or a sudden movement. The neck becomes locked in a painful rotated position. Physiotherapy provides rapid relief through joint mobilisation — most acute wry neck presentations significantly improve within 1–2 sessions.

How Physiotherapy Treats Neck Pain

• Cervical joint mobilisation — gentle, graded movements to restore joint mobility and reduce pain rapidly
• Deep neck flexor training — the deep stabilising muscles of the cervical spine are consistently weak in patients with chronic neck pain; retraining these muscles is central to long-term resolution
• Dry needling — targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital, and scalene trigger points that drive neck pain and headaches
• Thoracic spine mobilisation — stiffness in the upper back directly contributes to neck pain by forcing the neck to compensate
• Postural and ergonomic education — practical changes to your workstation, driving position, and sleep posture that reduce the mechanical load on your neck