Neck pain? Let’s get you turning your head freely
Waking with a locked neck, a headache that starts at the base of the skull or pain running down into the arm. Neck pain is very common and very treatable. Here is what our Elstree physios recommend.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google from 85 reviews of our Elstree clinic
Quick answer: Most neck pain is not caused by serious damage and improves within weeks with movement, strengthening and hands-on treatment. Pain or tingling down the arm usually means an irritated nerve, which also tends to settle with physio. Our Elstree clinic at HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS, and our nearby Borehamwood clinic can assess you.
Why does my neck hurt?
Long spells at a desk, driving, sleeping awkwardly, stress and a sudden increase in activity all play a part. The joints and muscles of the neck become sensitive and stiff, which is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous.
Headaches that start at the back of the head and come with neck stiffness often come from the neck too, and they respond well to treatment.
How to test neck stiffness
Stiff, sore neck
Mechanical neck pain
Pain and stiffness turning your head, often worse at the end of the day.
Neck headaches
Cervicogenic headache
Headache at the back of the head with neck stiffness.
Trapped nerve
Radiculopathy
Pain, pins and needles or weakness down one arm.
Whiplash
After a car accident
Pain and stiffness that usually improves with early movement.
Neck stopping you sleeping or working?
Book at Elstree or our nearby Borehamwood clinic.
What helps
- Gentle, regular movement rather than holding your neck still
- Hands-on treatment to ease stiff joints and tight muscles
- Strengthening for the deep neck and shoulder blade muscles
- Practical changes to your desk, car and phone habits
- A plan for arm symptoms, with referral if needed
Exercise
plus manual therapy is recommended for persistent neck pain
Bier et al, Phys Ther 2018
Weeks
not months: most acute neck pain improves within a few weeks
NICE CKS, neck pain
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Trapped nerve in the neck? Hands-on treatment options
Hands-on treatment can ease a trapped nerve in the neck, combined with exercises you can do at home.
Get urgent help if you have
- Neck pain after a fall or accident
- Weakness in both arms or legs, or problems walking or with balance
- The worst headache of your life, or neck stiffness with fever and a rash: call 999
- Neck pain with dizziness, double vision or difficulty speaking: call 999
Meet your Elstree physios
Jolene has a particular interest in back and neck pain and Pilates-based rehab, and Catriona treats neck problems alongside her.
Catriona Benson
Senior Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Catriona treats sports injuries and is our Elstree women’s health physio, trained in the Mummy MOT.
Jolene Sher
Specialist Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Jolene leads our Elstree and Borehamwood clinicians, with a special interest in back and neck pain and Pilates-based rehab.
What our Elstree patients say
★★★★★
“Jolene Sher has been instrumental in my continued recovery from major Achilles reconstructive surgery.”
★★★★★
“Great hydrotherapy session with Jolene today at the Venue borehamwood.”
★★★★★
“Jolene’s expert guidance was an enormous help following my lumbar injury.”
Watch: neck pain advice
Short videos our physios use with neck patients.
Neck pain hands-on treatment
How to help back and neck stiffness at work
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Elstree you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Elstree is often busy. Our Borehamwood clinic inside Anytime Fitness, WD6 4PR, is close by and usually has more availability. You can also book at Mill Hill or Hampstead Garden Suburb, or read more about neck pain physio.
Ease your neck pain
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree, HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Elstree clinic?
At HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, Beaufort House, The Waterfront, Elstree Road, WD6 3BS.
Should I wear a neck collar?
Usually not. Collars tend to slow recovery. Gentle movement is better for most neck pain.
Can you help neck pain from a car accident?
Yes. Whiplash usually improves with early, gradual movement and exercise, which we guide step by step.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
No. You can book directly with us online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem and your goals. On average our patients reach their goals in around 5 sessions, and we will give you an honest estimate at your first appointment in Elstree.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Catriona Benson and Jolene Sher at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- Bier JD et al. Clinical practice guideline for physical therapy assessment and treatment in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Phys Ther 2018;98:162-171.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Neck pain, non-specific. cks.nice.org.uk.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
