Conditions We Treat

NECK PAIN 

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see at our Sandton practice. It might have built up over weeks of desk work, appeared after a bad night's sleep or come on during a stressful stretch at the office. Whatever triggered it, neck pain has a way of affecting everything from driving and training to finding a comfortable position in bed.

Most neck pain is mechanical: joint stiffness, muscle tension and postural strain rather than anything serious. Hours spent looking down at phones and laptops ('tech neck') places real strain on the cervical spine. Over time this leads to restricted joints, tight muscles and referred pain into the shoulders, arms or head.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 28 trials found that spinal manipulation improves pain and disability for both recent and persistent neck pain, and a randomised trial in the Annals of Internal Medicine found it was more effective than medication for both short- and long-term relief. Clinical guidelines recommend manual therapy combined with exercise and patient education as the preferred approach.

We take the time to assess your neck properly, working out which joints, muscles or nerves are involved before starting treatment. That might include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, postural correction and practical advice on your workstation setup and daily habits. Many of our patients are Sandton professionals spending 8-plus hours at a screen, so we understand the environment driving the problem.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN

  • Neck stiffness or a 'locked' neck
  • Pain turning your head, especially when checking blind spots while driving
  • Muscle spasm and tension across the neck and shoulders
  • Headaches starting from the base of the skull
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Rib or sternum pain (constant, or with breathing and coughing)
  • Shooting or dull pain into the head, neck or shoulders
  • One shoulder sitting higher than the other
  • Rounded, slouched upper back posture
  • Jaw pain, ear pain or front-of-chest tightness
  • Numbness or tingling down the arms or into the fingers
  • Pain during or after exercise

Neck pain that lingers tends to get worse, not better. If it's affecting your daily life, getting it assessed early makes a real difference.

Our practice in Morningside, Sandton serves patients from Bryanston, Rivonia, Fourways, Rosebank and across Johannesburg.

Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and take the first step towards lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most neck pain is mechanical: joint stiffness, muscle tension and postural strain. Hours spent looking down at phones and laptops places real strain on the cervical spine. Stress, poor sleeping positions and previous injuries can also contribute.

Chiropractic care is a well-researched treatment option for neck pain. Clinical trials have found spinal manipulation to be more effective than medication for both short- and long-term relief. Treatment addresses the underlying joint and muscle dysfunction rather than just masking the pain.

Yes. Cervical manipulation is well studied and considered safe when performed by a qualified chiropractor. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment before treatment and choose techniques suited to your specific condition.

Tech neck refers to neck pain and stiffness caused by prolonged use of phones, tablets and laptops. Looking down at a screen shifts the head forward, placing extra load on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Over time this leads to restricted joints, tight muscles and referred pain into the shoulders and head.

Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits. Acute neck pain often resolves within 2 to 4 weeks with treatment, while chronic cases may require a longer course of care. Ergonomic changes and exercises help maintain the results long term.