Conditions we treat

Neck Pain & Headaches Physiotherapy in Brookvale

Neck pain, stiffness and headaches can affect your ability to work, sleep, exercise and enjoy everyday activities. Some headaches originate from the neck and can be associated with neck stiffness, restricted movement or muscle tension. We assess your symptoms to understand what may be contributing to your pain and develop a treatment plan to help you move comfortably again.

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When to see a GP first

Brookvale4/42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
Terrey Hills · Wednesdays17 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills NSW 2084

No referral required
One-on-one with a physiotherapist
Assessment before any exercise plan

How physio helps FAQs Locations

Woman at a desk holding her neck with neck pain

Understanding it

What is neck pain?

Neck pain refers to discomfort, stiffness or restricted movement in the area between the base of your skull and the top of your shoulders. It can develop gradually or acutely and affects people of all ages and activity levels.

Neck pain can be influenced by a range of factors, including muscle and joint sensitivity, prolonged positions, physical activity, stress and previous injuries. Symptoms can also spread into the shoulders, upper back or arms.

What are neck-related headaches?

Some headaches originate from structures in the neck, known as cervicogenic headaches. They can occur when joints and muscles in the neck contribute to pain that is felt in the head.

These headaches are often associated with neck pain or stiffness and may be aggravated by certain neck movements or sustained positions. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether the neck may be contributing to your headaches and whether treatment is appropriate.

Common symptoms

Neck pain

Aching, stiffness or tightness through the neck and top of your shoulders
Pain or difficulty turning your head or looking up and down
Muscle tension or discomfort around the base of the skull
Pain spreading into the shoulders, upper back or arms

Neck-related headaches

Headaches starting around the base of the skull or back of the head
Pain that can spread towards the forehead, temples or behind the eyes
Headaches associated with neck stiffness or restricted movement
Headaches aggravated by certain neck movements or sustained positions
Headaches that occur alongside neck or shoulder discomfort

Why it happens

What causes neck pain & headaches?

Prolonged positions

Spending long periods sitting at a desk, driving or looking down at devices can contribute to neck pain, particularly when movement is limited throughout the day.

Muscle strength and endurance

Reduced strength or endurance through the neck, shoulders and upper back can affect how your body manages everyday activities.

Joint and muscle sensitivity

The joints, muscles and surrounding structures of the neck can become sensitive, contributing to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. In some cases, these structures can also contribute to headaches.

Previous injuries

Previous neck injuries, including whiplash, can sometimes lead to ongoing pain, stiffness or reduced movement.

Sleep, stress and general health

Poor sleep, stress and increased physical or mental demands can influence muscle tension, pain sensitivity and recovery.

How physiotherapy can help

How we assess and treat neck pain & headaches

AssessmentWe discuss your symptoms, daily activities and goals, then assess your neck movement, mobility and strength. We also assess your shoulders and upper back to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Manage symptomsHands-on treatment, targeted exercises and practical advice help reduce pain, improve movement and manage muscle and joint sensitivity.
Build strength and mobilityProgressive exercises for your neck, shoulders and upper back help restore movement, improve strength and build tolerance for everyday activities, work and exercise.

Care at Solevo

Services that can help

Physio

Assessment, hands-on treatment and strength-led rehab for pain and injury.

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Clinical Pilates

Physio-led Pilates that bridges treatment and training.

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Safety first

When to see a GP or seek urgent care

A sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes
A new or unusual headache accompanied by vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness or loss of coordination
Neck pain or headache accompanied by fever, a rash or feeling very unwell
New or worsening numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or hands
Neck pain or headache following a significant accident or injury
A new, persistent or progressively worsening headache, particularly if it is different from your usual headaches

A sudden severe headache or headache accompanied by new neurological symptoms requires emergency assessment. Call 000 or attend an emergency department.

FAQs

What to expect from neck pain & headache physiotherapy

Headaches?

Not all headaches originate from the neck. We’ll assess whether that’s the case and help guide you towards appropriate care if further medical investigation is needed.

Posture?

You don’t need to maintain one perfect posture all day. We’ll help you find ways to manage prolonged positions, vary your movement and build tolerance for everyday activities.

Time frame?

Recovery varies depending on the cause, severity and duration of your symptoms. Some people improve within a few weeks, while persistent or recurring symptoms may benefit from a longer rehabilitation plan.

At home

You’ll leave with practical advice and exercises to help manage your symptoms, including guidance around movement, desk work, sleep and everyday activities.

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Clinically reviewed by Emma Docker, Physiotherapist. Last reviewed November 2026.