What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is like a puzzle with multiple pieces. The most common causes include poor posture (prevalent in our digital age), sudden movements like quickly turning your head, muscle imbalances from modern sedentary lifestyles, stress, which causes muscle tension, sleeping in awkward positions, and sometimes just the general wear and tear of daily life. According to Better Health Victoria, most neck pain is what we call "mechanical" - meaning it's related to how you move and position your neck rather than any severe underlying pathology. During your visit, we'll investigate what's contributing to your specific neck pain situation.

Should I see a neck physio or wait for it to get better?

Nobody wants to overreact to every little ache, but here's the reality: if your neck pain is hanging around for more than a few days, getting progressively worse, or significantly affecting your daily activities, it's worth getting professional help. You should see us if you've got headaches accompanying the neck pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or hands, or if the pain started after trauma like a car accident or fall. The Australian Physiotherapy Association research shows that addressing neck problems early often means faster recovery and a lower risk of developing chronic issues. Plus, we're a pretty good company and can give you strategies to prevent it from happening again.

How long will it take to fix my neck pain?

The dreaded timeline question! We wish we could give you a definitive answer, but necks are as individual as fingerprints. Acute neck pain (the sudden onset variety) often improves significantly within 1-2 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic neck pain that's been present for months typically requires a longer rehabilitation process, potentially several weeks to months for complete resolution. During your first visit, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific condition, symptoms, and contributing factors. What we can guarantee is that we'll work efficiently to get you the best possible outcome in the shortest reasonable timeframe.

What's the difference between a neck strain and something more serious?

This is a great question that we get asked frequently. A neck strain typically involves overstretched or torn muscles and ligaments in your neck, usually from sudden movements, poor posture, or sleeping awkwardly. These are generally not serious and respond well to physiotherapy treatment. More serious conditions might include nerve compression (which can cause arm pain, numbness, or weakness), disc injuries, or fractures. Warning signs that suggest something more serious include severe arm pain, numbness or tingling in your hands, severe headaches, dizziness, or neck pain following significant trauma. During your assessment, we'll determine precisely what's going on and refer you elsewhere if necessary.

Will physiotherapy fix my neck pain?

We'd love to promise you'll walk out completely pain-free after one session, but that wouldn't be honest. The excellent news is that physiotherapy is highly effective for most neck pain conditions. Research published in The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy consistently shows that physiotherapy, particularly when it includes manual therapy and exercise, is one of the most effective treatments for neck pain. Success depends on several factors, including the cause of your pain, its duration, your overall health, and how well you adhere to your treatment plan. Even in cases where we can't eliminate pain, we can almost always significantly improve your function and quality of life.

What should I expect during my first neck physio appointment?

Your first visit is like having an in-depth conversation with a friend who happens to be an expert in necks. We'll spend proper time (45 minutes, not a rushed consultation) discussing your neck pain story - when it started, what triggers it, and how it's impacting your life. Then we'll conduct a thorough physical examination, which might include checking your neck movement, posture assessment, and examining the affected areas. We'll explain what we think is happening in plain language, discuss treatment options, and often begin some gentle treatment during that first session. You'll leave with a clear plan, some strategies to use at home, and typically feeling more optimistic about recovery.

How much does neck physio cost in Melbourne?

Our pricing is competitive for Melbourne physiotherapy services. Your initial comprehensive assessment (45 minutes of focused attention) and follow-up treatments (30-45 minutes) are transparently priced. If you have private health insurance with physiotherapy coverage, we process HICAPS payments so you only pay the gap amount. You don't need a GP referral for standard appointments, but you will need one for WorkCover, TAC, or Enhanced Primary Care plans. The Australian Government Department of Health recognises physiotherapy as an essential service. Many people find that physiotherapy is one of the most cost-effective approaches to neck pain, considering the alternative costs of ongoing medication, time off work, and reduced quality of life. You can read more about our billing here.

Is it normal for neck pain to feel worse initially during treatment?

Sometimes, yes - but let's clarify what we mean by this. If you've been avoiding neck movement due to pain, and we start encouraging gentle movement again, you might experience some temporary muscle soreness (similar to after a gentle workout). This is normal and typically settles within 24-48 hours. However, your actual neck pain shouldn't significantly worsen or become more intense. If it does, we want to know immediately so we can modify our approach. We follow the principle of "first, not harm" - treatment should help, not make things worse. Any temporary increase in symptoms should be manageable and short-lived.

Should I use heat or ice on my neck pain?

The eternal question! Both can be helpful, but they work differently and are better suited to different situations. Ice is typically better for acute injuries or sudden flare-ups - it helps reduce inflammation and can provide pain relief. Use it for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times daily, especially in the first 48-72 hours after injury. Heat is often more beneficial for chronic neck pain, muscle tension, and stiffness because it increases blood flow and helps muscles relax. A heat pack for 15-20 minutes can be excellent for ongoing neck tension. Some people benefit from alternating between ice and heat. During your assessment, we'll provide specific recommendations for your particular situation.

Can stress cause neck pain?

Absolutely, and it's more common than most people realise. Stress causes very real physical reactions in your body - your muscles tense up (particularly in your neck and shoulders), your posture changes (think hunched shoulders and forward head position), and you might start moving differently. Chronic stress also affects how your nervous system processes pain signals, potentially making you more sensitive to discomfort. Additionally, stress can disrupt sleep patterns, which affects your body's natural healing processes. On the flip side, chronic neck pain is incredibly stressful, creating a vicious cycle where pain increases stress and stress worsens pain. Our comprehensive approach addresses both the physical aspects of neck pain and helps you develop effective stress management strategies.

When should I be concerned about my neck pain?

While most neck pain isn't dangerous, certain "red flag" symptoms require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience neck pain with severe headache and fever, loss of consciousness, severe arm weakness, numbness around your groin area, or if the pain follows significant trauma like a motor vehicle accident. You should also see a doctor promptly if you have neck pain with unexplained weight loss, severe pain that doesn't improve with rest, or if you have a history of cancer. For most other neck pain situations, seeing us first is perfectly appropriate, and we can refer you elsewhere if we identify anything concerning.

How can I prevent my neck pain from returning?

Prevention is the best strategy for neck pain. Key prevention strategies include maintaining good posture during daily activities, taking regular breaks from computer work, setting up your workspace ergonomically, sleeping with proper pillow support, managing stress effectively, staying physically active with regular exercise, and learning proper movement patterns. Regular exercise that includes both cardiovascular fitness and neck-specific strengthening is critical - your neck needs strong supporting muscles to stay healthy. We provide personalised prevention strategies based on style, work demands, and specific risk factors. Think of it as an investment in your future neck health.

What's the difference between a physio and a chiropractor for neck pain?

Both professions effectively treat neck pain, but we use different approaches. As physiotherapists, we focus on movement, exercise, and comprehensive rehabilitation, using techniques like manual therapy, exercise prescription, education, and lifestyle modification. Our treatment typically involves a combination of hands-on techniques and active rehabilitation over multiple sessions, with strong emphasis on empowering you to manage your neck health. Chiropractors primarily use spinal adjustments and may incorporate other manual techniques. Both approaches have research support, and some people respond better to one approach than the other. At Evolutio, we believe in thorough assessment, patient education, and providing you with the tools to maintain your neck health long-term.

Is working from home causing neck problems?

Quite possibly, yes. The shift to remote work has created a neck pain epidemic across Melbourne. Common problems include using kitchen tables as desks, laptops that force you to crane your neck downward, chairs that offer minimal neck support, and the tendency to work from couches or beds. Add more extended periods without structured movement breaks, and you have a recipe for neck problems. Many people also lack the ergonomic setup they had in their office environment. The good news is that most work-from-home neck pain is very treatable and entirely preventable. We regularly help people optimise their home office setups, develop movement habits throughout the workday, and provide exercises specifically designed for remote workers.

Will I need surgery for my neck pain?

The vast majority of neck pain cases - approximately 95% or more - don't require surgical intervention. Surgery is typically only considered for specific conditions like severe nerve compression with neurological symptoms, spinal instability, or when conservative treatments have been genuinely attempted and failed over an extended period. Even when surgery becomes necessary, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in both pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery. We work collaboratively with some of Melbourne's leading spinal surgeons when surgical intervention is appropriate, but the majority of our patients recover completely with conservative treatment. Our primary goal is to help you avoid surgery if possible, or to optimise your outcome if surgery becomes necessary.