Get Your Free Neck Pain & Headaches Report!
Neck Pain and Headache Treatment In Portsmnouth and Eastleigh
Active Motion Injury Clinic provides expert, hands-on treatment for neck pain and headaches in Portsmouth and Eastleigh*. Whether your symptoms came on suddenly after an injury, have developed gradually from desk work or posture, or have been present for years without a clear explanation, our musculoskeletal specialists identify the cause and create a personalised plan to get you back to thinking clearly, sleeping well, and moving freely.
5.0 ★★★★★ | Trusted by thousands of patients across Hampshire
*surrounding areas: Romsey, Southampton, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Waterlooville, Chichester, Emsworth, Peterfield
Click The Video Below To Learn How We Can Help Fix Your Neck Pain!
How Common Are Neck Pain And Headaches?
Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. A systematic review published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases estimated that the global point prevalence of neck pain is approximately 4.9%, with lifetime prevalence reaching 48.5% (Fejer et al., 2006).
Reference: Fejer R et al. (2006). The prevalence of neck pain in the world population: a systematic critical review of the literature. European Spine Journal, 15(6), 834-848.
Cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck) are also far more common than most people realise, accounting for an estimated 15 to 20% of all chronic headaches (Sjaastad et al., 2008, Cephalalgia). Many people treated for migraines or tension headaches are actually experiencing headaches driven by neck dysfunction that would respond well to manual therapy.
Reference: Sjaastad O et al. (2008). Cervicogenic headache: the controversial headache. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 110(10), 985-993.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- Stiffness and pain in your neck that is worse in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Headaches that seem to start at the base of your skull and spread forward
- Pain, tingling, or numbness radiating from your neck into your shoulder, arm, or hand
- Difficulty turning your head fully when driving or looking over your shoulder
- A constant dull ache that makes it hard to concentrate or feel productive
- Neck pain that started after a car accident, sports injury, or fall and has never fully resolved
- Headaches you have been told are migraines or tension headaches that have not responded to medication
If any of these sound familiar, the cause may well be in your neck, and that is very good news. Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches respond extremely well to hands-on treatment when the root cause is properly identified.
What Causes Neck Pain and Headaches?
Neck pain and associated headaches rarely have a single cause. The most common contributing factors we identify include:
- Muscle tension and trigger points: sustained contraction of the suboccipital muscles (at the base of the skull), upper trapezius, and levator scapulae is one of the most common causes of both neck pain and headache
- Poor posture: forward head posture from prolonged screen use places significant extra load on the cervical spine. For every inch the head moves forward from its neutral position, the effective weight on the neck increases by approximately 10 pounds (Hansraj, 2014, Surgical Technology International)
Reference: Hansraj KK (2014). Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surgical Technology International, 25, 277-279.
- Disc problems: bulging or degenerated discs in the cervical spine can compress nerve roots, causing pain, tingling, or weakness into the arm (cervical radiculopathy)
- Facet joint dysfunction: stiffness or irritation in the small joints between the cervical vertebrae is a common source of both local neck pain and referred headache
- Whiplash: injury to the soft tissues of the neck from a sudden acceleration or deceleration (most commonly in car accidents) can cause persistent pain and restricted movement if not properly treated
- Stress and anxiety: chronic stress leads to sustained muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, which can become a self-perpetuating cycle of pain and tension
- Sleep position: sleeping with the neck in a poor position, particularly on a pillow that is too high or too firm, is a very common aggravating factor
Request A Call Back from a Therapist
If you’re not quite ready to book an appointment yet and have some questions you would like answered first, click the link below to complete a form to get the conversation started.
Types of Headache We Treat
Not all headaches originate from the neck, but a significant proportion do. We treat the following headache types:
- Cervicogenic headaches: pain that starts at the base of the skull or back of the neck and radiates forward, often to the forehead, eye, or temple; typically one-sided and worsened by neck movement
- Tension-type headaches: a band-like pressure around the head, often associated with neck and shoulder muscle tension
- Headaches associated with cervical nerve root compression: pain, tingling, or numbness into the arm alongside headache, indicating nerve involvement in the cervical spine
- Post-traumatic headaches: headaches that developed or worsened following a whiplash injury, concussion, or head trauma
We do not treat migraines as a primary diagnosis but many patients referred to us for neck pain report a reduction in migraine frequency once neck dysfunction is addressed.
How We Treat Neck Pain and Headaches at Active Motion
We take a hands-on, whole-body approach. Neck pain rarely exists in isolation. We assess the relationship between your neck, upper back, shoulders, and jaw to understand the full picture before designing your treatment plan.
- Full cervical and upper body assessment: evaluating posture, joint mobility, muscle strength, and nerve function from the neck through the upper limb
- Hands-on manual therapy: joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue release, and trigger point therapy targeting the specific structures causing your symptoms
- Nerve mobilisation and stimpod therapy: for patients with tingling, numbness, or referred pain into the arm, gentle nerve mobilisation techniques reduce neural tension and restore normal nerve movement
- Posture correction and ergonomic advice: practical guidance on workstation setup, sleeping position, and daily habits that are perpetuating your symptoms
- Targeted rehabilitation exercises: progressive strengthening of the deep neck flexors, upper back, and shoulder stabilisers, the muscles most commonly weak in people with chronic neck pain
- Acupuncture: evidence supports the use of acupuncture for both cervicogenic headache and chronic neck pain; a Cochrane review found acupuncture to be at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment for chronic headache (Linde et al., 2016)
Reference: Linde K et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4.
- Education and self-management: understanding what is driving your symptoms and what you can do day-to-day to manage and prevent them
Neck Pain and Headache FAQs
Can neck problems really cause headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the cervical spine and surrounding musculature) are well recognised in the clinical literature and account for a significant proportion of chronic headache presentations. The upper cervical joints and muscles share nerve pathways with structures in the head, which is why dysfunction in the neck can produce referred pain into the skull, temples, eyes, and forehead.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches tend to be one-sided, start at the base of the skull or back of the neck, and worsen with specific neck movements or sustained postures. They are often accompanied by neck stiffness and may be triggered by prolonged desk work or driving. A clinical assessment can reliably distinguish cervicogenic headaches from other headache types. If you are unsure, book a free telephone consultation and we will advise you.
Can you treat whiplash?
Yes. Whiplash is one of the conditions we treat regularly. Early, appropriate treatment significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term symptoms. If you have had a car accident or a sudden impact injury and are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, or headaches, please contact us as soon as possible rather than waiting to see if it settles on its own.
I have been told my neck pain is due to degeneration on a scan. Can you still help?
Yes. Degenerative changes visible on scans (such as disc narrowing or osteophyte formation) are extremely common and do not reliably predict pain levels or function. Many people with significant degeneration on imaging have little or no pain, while others with minimal changes experience considerable symptoms. Our treatment focuses on what is causing your pain functionally, not on the scan findings, and the outcomes are consistently good.
What is the difference between neck pain and cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, typically by a bulging disc or bone spur. As well as neck pain, this causes symptoms that radiate into the arm: pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness following the path of the affected nerve. Neck pain without radiculopathy involves local pain and stiffness without these radiating symptoms. Both are conditions we treat effectively.
Should I use heat or ice for neck pain?
For acute or recent onset neck pain, ice (wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin) applied for 10 to 15 minutes can help reduce inflammation in the first 24 to 72 hours. For ongoing or chronic neck pain and tension, heat is generally more effective at relaxing muscle tightness. We will advise you specifically on what is most appropriate for your situation at your first appointment.
Can poor posture really cause that much neck pain and headache?
Yes. The head weighs approximately 4 to 5 kg in neutral alignment. When the head moves forward by just 2.5 cm (one inch), the effective load on the cervical spine increases significantly (Hansraj, 2014). Sustained forward head posture throughout a working day, day after day, places enormous cumulative strain on the neck muscles, joints, and discs. Correcting posture and strengthening the muscles that support neutral head position is often one of the most impactful things we do for patients with desk-related neck pain and headaches.
How much does each session cost to treat neck pain and headaches?
We offer a FREE consultation to ensure that we can help you. After hearing more about what you are currently suffering with and answering any questions you may have. A qualified practitioner will put together a tailored plan for you. The number of sessions will depend on a number of factors such as the duration of symptoms and their history.
I went to the clinic recently, for the first time with severe neck pain. I should say Lewis who treated me was very professional, explained to me exactly what the case was, and started the treatment step by step, with no rush and always making sure I am OK. After 1 appointment only and I feel so much better!
While Gp and hospital gave me lots of really strong painkillers with no actual result as the pain kept on coming back.
So thank you Lewis and would definitely recommend.
Came in with a pinched nerve in my neck was desperate for any help, lewis managed to fit me in rapidly and straight away after a couple session I was starting to see allot of improvement. Hes really worked wonders for me getting me back to normal and not looking like the hunch back of nutre darme. Would really recommend
I booked in for a sports massage with Millie who really got to work on my glutes and lower back muscles. It was all over clothes so no embarrassment or feeling exposed and after the first one hour session, and a few days recovery as my body adjusted to all the deep massage points, I felt like a new woman and almost no pain and much more mobile.
I had another session one month later to continue to work on those areas and again, she was friendly, professional, listened to when I asked for firmer pressure, starting in a less tight area or giving me a minute’s break.
The pain is 90% gone even after a month of no treatment and after just two sessions and I am much more able to stand, walk and do other activities.
I can’t recommend her enough! Thanks Millie!
Millie treated me with severe neck pain and numbing sensations down my arm. She did a fab job helping the pain ease! Thank you!