Neck & Shoulder Pain: what it is and how we help

Neck and shoulder pain at a glance

Neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in desk workers, and most cases come from muscle tension, stiff joints in the neck or irritated tendons in the shoulder rather than serious damage. Because the neck can refer pain into the shoulder and the shoulder can refer pain up into the neck, working out the true source is the first step.

Symptoms of neck and shoulder pain

• Stiffness and reduced ability to turn the head
• Aching across the top of the shoulders and between the shoulder blades
• Pain lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull
• Pins and needles or pain travelling down the arm, which suggests nerve involvement

What causes neck and shoulder pain?

Common causes include sustained desk and phone postures, stress-related muscle tension, poor sleep position, rotator cuff tendon irritation, frozen shoulder, whiplash and age-related changes in the neck joints. Stress plays a bigger role than many people expect. For shoulder-specific causes, including those more common in women, see what causes shoulder pain.

How is neck and shoulder pain treated?

Most neck pain improves with activity, exercise and time. Physiotherapy, targeted strengthening and manual therapy are the standard approach for persistent pain, with GP review for pain that follows an injury or comes with neurological symptoms. For practical relief and warning signs, see how to relieve neck pain.

Neck and shoulder pain treatment in Chiswick

• Physiotherapy: identifies whether the neck or shoulder is the source and builds a strengthening programme. Initial assessment and treatment £99, follow-ups from £70.
• Manual therapy: soft tissue release and mobilisation for stiffness and muscle tension. Sports, deep tissue and myoskeletal massage from £65.
• Acupuncture: research suggests it can reduce chronic neck pain in the short term, and many patients use it alongside exercise. Traditional acupuncture £80.
• Red light therapy: targeted THOR laser for tendon and muscle recovery, £80 for 30 minutes.
• Yoga and tai chi: mobility and relaxation for tension-driven pain. One-to-one yoga £50, tai chi group classes £15.

Physiotherapy at Omnia is recognised by AXA Health, Aviva, WPA and Vitality, and you can see every price on our fees page.

What does the evidence say?

Exercise, especially strengthening of the neck and shoulder blade muscles, has the best long-term evidence. Systematic reviews report short-term benefit from acupuncture and manual therapy for chronic neck pain, which works best combined with an active programme.

How long does neck pain last?

Most episodes of neck pain improve within a few days to six weeks, and a stiff neck after sleeping awkwardly often eases within a week. Pain that keeps returning is usually linked to sustained postures, stress or reduced strength around the neck and shoulder blades, which is where a targeted exercise plan helps most.

Can neck problems cause headaches and arm pain?

Yes. Tension in the upper neck muscles and stiffness in the top joints of the neck can refer pain into the back of the head, known as a cervicogenic headache. An irritated nerve root in the lower neck can send pain, tingling or numbness down the arm into the hand. Arm symptoms with weakness should always be assessed.

Neck, shoulder and arm pain on one side

Pain on the left or right side of the neck that spreads into the shoulder and arm is most often caused by muscle tension or an irritated nerve in the neck, and less often by a shoulder problem referring pain down the arm. The pattern matters more than the side: tingling or numbness in the hand points to the neck, while pain on lifting the arm points to the shoulder. See our guides to right shoulder pain and shoulder and arm pain. If the pain is centred on the elbow, see tennis elbow.

Call 999 if pain in the left arm, neck, jaw or shoulder comes on suddenly with chest pain or tightness, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick, as these can be signs of a heart attack.

Best sleeping position for neck and shoulder pain

Sleeping on your back or side is usually easiest. Choose one pillow that keeps your head level with the rest of your spine, rather than propping it up or letting it drop. If a shoulder is painful, sleep on the other side with a pillow hugged in front of you to support the sore arm. Sleeping on your front twists the neck and often makes pain worse.

What to expect at Omnia

Your first appointment covers when the pain started, your work set-up, stress and sleep, followed by an assessment of neck and shoulder movement, strength and nerve function. We work out whether the neck or the shoulder is the main source, then give you a short set of exercises and practical desk changes. Manual therapy or acupuncture can be added to ease pain, with progress reviewed at each visit.

What you can do at home

• Raise your screen to eye level and bring the keyboard closer
• Take a movement break every 30 minutes
• Try gentle neck rotations and shoulder blade squeezes through the day
• Use one supportive pillow that keeps your neck level

When to see a doctor urgently

Seek urgent care for neck pain after a significant fall or accident, neck pain with fever and a stiff neck, sudden severe headache, or progressive weakness, clumsiness or numbness in the arms or legs.

For step-by-step home programmes, see our guides to neck pain exercises, shoulder exercises for pain and frozen shoulder exercises.

If the pain is mainly in one shoulder, see our guide to left shoulder pain, including the warning signs that need urgent care.

If pain followed a car accident or sudden jolt, see how long whiplash lasts.

Neck and shoulder pain is treated at Omnia Lifestyle, 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking. Book an assessment or call 020 4515 0000.