Physiotherapy for Neck Pain
Specialist Physiotherapy for Neck Pain, Headaches and Jaw-Related Neck Symptoms
Neck pain is common, but it doesn't always occur in isolation.
For some people, neck pain is associated with headaches, jaw pain, facial symptoms or changes in movement and muscle tension. For others, it may develop following an injury, prolonged postures, changes in activity or irritation of the structures in the neck.
At Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy, I specialise in conditions affecting the jaw, face, head and neck. I assess the whole picture to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualised treatment plan based on your presentation.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
You may experience:
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Pain or stiffness in your neck
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Tight or aching muscles around the neck and shoulders
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Pain that spreads towards the shoulder blade or upper back
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Headaches associated with neck pain
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Pain or tension around the base of the skull
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Reduced neck movement
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Neck pain alongside jaw pain or facial pain
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Jaw clenching or teeth grinding alongside neck tension
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Neck symptoms that worsen with prolonged sitting, working or driving
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Symptoms following a whiplash or other injury
If your symptoms are persistent, affecting your daily activities or occurring alongside jaw or headache symptoms, a specialist assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your problem.
How Can Jaw Physiotherapy Help?
The first step is understanding what is contributing to your symptoms.
During your assessment, I will consider your symptoms, movement, muscle function and the relationship between your neck and any associated jaw, headache or facial symptoms.
Depending on your individual presentation, treatment may include:
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Education and advice about your symptoms
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Specific exercises to improve movement, strength and control
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Movement retraining
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Manual therapy where appropriate
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Advice about modifying activities that aggravate your symptoms
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Strategies to manage muscle tension
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Assessment and treatment of associated jaw symptoms
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Management of associated headaches
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Advice to help you confidently return to normal activities
Your treatment plan will be individualised rather than following a standard protocol.
The aim is not simply to treat the painful area, but to understand the factors contributing to your symptoms and help you regain confidence in movement and function.
What Can Cause Neck Pain?
Neck pain can develop for many different reasons, and there isn't always one single cause.
Common contributing factors can include:
💪 Muscle and joint-related pain
The muscles and joints of the neck work together to support and move your head. Changes in movement, muscle loading or activity can sometimes lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
🧘 Prolonged postures and activity
Spending long periods in one position, working at a computer, driving or repeatedly performing certain activities can contribute to neck symptoms in some people.
However, posture is only one part of the picture. Neck pain is not simply caused by having "bad posture", and there is rarely one perfect position that prevents pain.
🎗️Jaw and neck problems
The jaw and neck are closely connected through muscles, joints and movement patterns.
Some people experience neck pain alongside temporomandibular disorders (TMD), jaw pain, clicking or teeth clenching. In these cases, assessing the jaw and neck together can help identify factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
💆♀️ Headaches
Neck-related problems can be associated with some types of headache, particularly when symptoms are influenced by neck movement, muscle tension or mechanical factors.
If you experience both headaches and neck pain, assessing the relationship between the two can be an important part of your treatment.
🤕 Injury
Neck pain can develop following injuries such as whiplash, falls or sporting injuries.
Following an injury, it is important to assess your symptoms appropriately and consider whether further medical assessment or investigation is required.
Neck Pain, Jaw Pain and TMD
Neck pain and jaw symptoms frequently occur together.
The muscles and joints around the jaw, neck and upper cervical spine work together during activities such as chewing, speaking and maintaining head position. Changes in one area can influence how the others move and function.
If you have jaw pain, clicking, locking, teeth clenching or headaches alongside your neck pain, it may be helpful to assess these symptoms together rather than treating them as completely separate problems.
You can find out more about:
Jaw Pain & TMD
Specialist assessment and treatment for temporomandibular disorders, jaw pain and associated symptoms.
Clicking Jaw
Information about jaw clicking, popping and associated symptoms.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Assessment and management of jaw clenching, teeth grinding and associated muscle tension.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Neck pain can occur alongside different types of headache, but not every headache is caused by the neck.
A detailed assessment can help determine whether your headache symptoms appear to be influenced by the neck, jaw or musculoskeletal system, or whether another type of headache may be more appropriate for medical assessment.
If you regularly experience both neck pain and headaches, tell your physiotherapist about both symptoms during your assessment.
Read more about Headaches and how physiotherapy may help when symptoms have a musculoskeletal or jaw-related component.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice?
Most neck pain is not caused by a serious condition and can improve with appropriate self-management and rehabilitation. However, some symptoms require medical assessment rather than routine physiotherapy.
You should seek appropriate medical advice if your neck pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:
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New or progressive weakness in your arms or legs
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Significant or persistent numbness or altered sensation
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New problems with balance or walking
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Changes in bladder or bowel function
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Severe or rapidly worsening pain
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Significant trauma or injury
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Fever or other signs of infection
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Unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
If you develop sudden neurological symptoms such as facial or limb weakness, difficulty speaking, significant problems with balance or a sudden severe headache, seek urgent medical attention.
If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your symptoms, please contact the clinic before booking and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Symptoms
Neck symptoms can overlap with a number of conditions affecting the jaw, face and head.
Explore our other specialist resources:
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