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Neck Pain Treatment in Melbourne CBD

Evidence-Based Chiropractic & Naturopathic Care for Neck Pain, Headaches and Stiffness

If you’re looking for neck pain treatment in Melbourne, you’re not alone. Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care — especially those who sit for long hours, work at a computer, or have experienced an injury such as whiplash.

At The Headache and Neck Pain Clinic, we provide evidence-based chiropractic and naturopathic care designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and support long-term neck health — not just short-term relief.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain most commonly develops from repetitive movements and prolonged postures, particularly desk and computer work. Your neck simply wasn’t designed to hold the same position for hours on end.

Over time, low-level strain causes inflammation and micro-trauma to muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves. Symptoms often begin subtly — stiffness, tightness, or reduced movement — before progressing to pain.

Common contributors to neck pain include:

  • Prolonged sitting and screen use
  • Poor posture or forward head position
  • Upper back or shoulder dysfunction
  • Sports injuries and car accidents (whiplash)
  • Repetitive work or physical load

Pain is often the final warning sign that your neck can no longer cope with these stresses.

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How Neck, Upper Back and Shoulder Problems Are Connected

Anatomically, your neck connects your head to your torso — but functionally, it extends down to the upper thoracic spine (around T5). The muscles that support your neck also stabilise your shoulder blades and upper back.

When your upper back becomes stiff or hunched:

  • Your shoulder blades tilt out of position
  • Shoulder mechanics change
  • Neck and shoulder muscles work harder
  • Tension and pain gradually build

Forward head posture places additional load on the muscles at the back of your neck and the small stabilising muscles at the top of your spine. Over time, this can contribute to neck pain, headaches, and upper back stiffness.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain?

People seeking neck pain care in Melbourne commonly report:

  • Neck stiffness or reduced ability to turn the head
  • Muscle tightness or joint pain
  • Ongoing headaches
  • Shoulder or upper back pain
  • Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand
  • Dizziness, unsteadiness or poor co-ordination

If you’re experiencing arm symptoms, headaches, or dizziness alongside neck pain, a thorough assessment is essential.

Neck Pain, Dizziness and Proprioception

Your neck plays a critical role in balance and movement control. It contains one of the highest concentrations of proprioceptors — sensory nerves that inform your brain about posture, movement, and stability.

When neck function is impaired, inaccurate signals can reach the brain, contributing to:

  • Dizziness or unsteadiness
  • Poor balance
  • Clumsiness or reduced co-ordination
  • Cervicogenic headaches

This is why neck pain can affect much more than just your neck.

Whiplash, Jaw (TMJ) Pain and Concussion

Because your neck is highly mobile, it’s particularly vulnerable to trauma. Car accidents and sports collisions can cause whiplash injuries, affecting joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Whiplash may also contribute to:

  • Jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or vertigo

In more significant trauma, concussion symptoms may occur, including headaches, nausea, fatigue, mood changes, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or sound. We are trained in concussion assessment and rehabilitation and can guide appropriate care and referrals when required.

 

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How We Treat Neck Pain in Melbourne

Your care begins with a detailed history and physical examination to rule out serious causes and identify contributing factors.

We assess:

  • Neck, upper back, and shoulder movement
  • Posture and habitual positions
  • Neurologic and orthopaedic function
  • Balance and co-ordination where relevant

If required, we may refer you for imaging or other investigations. You’ll receive a clear explanation of your diagnosis and personalised treatment options. All care is discussed with you so you feel comfortable and informed.

Treatment may include:

  • Spinal manipulation (adjustments) or mobilisation
  • Soft tissue therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Stretching and mobility work
  • Strength and endurance rehabilitation exercises
  • Postural and workplace advice

Research supports combining manual therapy with rehabilitation to improve pain, movement, and proprioception.

A Whole-Person, Long-Term Approach

Neck pain doesn’t just affect your body — it can impact your mood, sleep, concentration, and daily life. We work within a biopsychosocial framework, recognising that long-term results require addressing more than symptoms alone.

Medications may help manage pain temporarily, but they don’t correct underlying movement, stability, or postural issues. Our focus is on addressing the root contributors and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Some people improve quickly. Others need more time — especially when pain has been present for months or years. There are no quick fixes, but there is a clear path forward.

If you’re searching for a chiropractor for neck pain in Melbourne CBD, we’re here to help. Book an appointment online or call The Headache and Neck Pain Clinic today to make an appointment.

You can also visit our online pillow shopoffering a wide range of pillows, cushions, and supports to help optimise sleep and posture at home.

References for further information:

Cheema N, Yielder P, Sanmugananthan P, Ambalavanar U, Murphy B. Impact of subclinical neck pain on eye and hand movements in goal-directed upper limb aiming movements. Hum Mov Sci. 2024;96:103238

Diao Y, Liu Y, Pan J, Chen J, Pan J, Liao M, Liu H, Liao L. Efficacy and safety of spinal manipulative therapy in the management of acute neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2025;14(1):97

Dirito AM, Abichandani D, Jadhakhan F, Falla D. The effects of exercise on neuromuscular function in people with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(12):e0315817

GBD 2021 Other Musculoskeletal Disorders Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of other musculoskeletal disorders, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol. 2023;5(11):e670-e682

Gross A, Langevin P, Burnie SJ, Bédard-Brochu MS, Empey B, Dugas E, et al. Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004249

Hoy D, March L, Woolf A, Blyth F, Brooks P, Smith E, et al. The global burden of neck pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Ann Rheum Dis 2014;73:1309–1315

Lutke Schipholt IJ, Coppieters MW, Diepens M, Hoekstra T, Ostelo RWJG, Barbe MF, Meijer OG, Bontkes HJ, Scholten-Peeters GGM. Systemic Inflammation, Sleep, and Psychological Factors Determine Recovery Trajectories for People With Neck Pain: An Exploratory Study. J Pain. 2024;25(8):104496

Masaracchio M, Kirker K, States R, Hanney WJ, Liu X, Kolber M. Thoracic spine manipulation for the management of mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019 ;14(2):e0211877

Øverås CK, Nilsen TIL, Søgaard K, Mork PJ, Hartvigsen J. Temporal stability in the prevalence and pattern of co-occurring musculoskeletal pain among people with persistent low back pain: population-based data from the Norwegian HUNT Study, 1995 to 2019. Pain. 2023 Jul 10

Rasmussen-Barr E, Halvorsen M, Bohman T, Boström C, Dedering Å, Kuster RP, Olsson CB, Rovner G, Tseli E, Nilsson-Wikmar L, Grooten WJA. Summarizing the effects of different exercise types in chronic neck pain – a systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023;24(1):806

Saini N, Tiwari S, Singh L. Evaluating the Impact of Cervical Stabilisation Exercises on Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. Musculoskeletal Care. 2025;23(2):e70091

Vos T, Barber RM, Bell B, Bertozzi-Villa A, Biryukov S, Bollinger I, et al. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. 2015;386(9995):743-800

Wong JJ, Shearer HM, Mior S, et al. Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa Collaboration. Spine J. 2016;16(12):1598-1630

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