Lambert Sports Clinic · Surbiton

Neck Pain & Stiffness — Physiotherapy in Surbiton

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the UK, affecting people across all ages and walks of life — from desk workers to athletes, from those who have sustained a whiplash injury to those who simply woke up with an acutely stiff neck. At Lambert Sports Clinic in Surbiton, we offer physiotherapy assessment and treatment for neck pain six days a week.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Postural and Muscle-Related Neck Pain

Prolonged sitting at a desk, laptop or phone — particularly with a forward-head posture — is among the most frequent contributors to neck pain and upper trapezius tension. The muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle fatigue when asked to hold the head forward for extended periods. This type of neck pain typically causes stiffness and aching, particularly by the end of the working day, and may be associated with tension headaches.

Physiotherapy includes posture education, specific exercises to restore neck and scapular muscle balance, and manual therapy where appropriate. Ergonomic advice is also an important part of management for desk workers.

Cervical Joint Pain

The small facet joints of the cervical spine can become stiff, irritated, or acutely locked — producing neck pain and restricted movement, sometimes to one side. This can happen after sleeping in an awkward position, a sudden jarring movement, or gradually over time. Physiotherapy manual therapy — gentle mobilisation of the stiff joints — is often very effective for this type of neck pain.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches that originate from the cervical spine — cervicogenic headaches — are often experienced at the base of the skull, radiating forward to the forehead or behind the eye. They are frequently associated with neck stiffness and tenderness in the upper cervical joints. Physiotherapy and manual therapy for the cervical spine can be effective in reducing both the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches.

Cervical Disc-Related Pain

The intervertebral discs of the cervical spine can become irritated or prolapsed, sometimes causing pain that radiates into the arm, with associated tingling, numbness, or weakness — a pattern called cervical radiculopathy. Assessment is important to identify the level of involvement and guide the appropriate management approach. Physiotherapy is effective for many cases of cervical radiculopathy, though some require further investigation or specialist opinion.

Whiplash and Neck Injury

Whiplash — a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury to the cervical spine, most commonly from a road traffic accident — can cause a complex set of symptoms including neck pain and stiffness, headache, arm symptoms, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbance. Physiotherapy plays an important role in whiplash recovery, and early active management is associated with better outcomes than prolonged rest.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Compression of the nerves and blood vessels as they exit the neck and pass through the thoracic outlet can produce arm symptoms and neck pain. This is an uncommon but important condition to assess where appropriate.

What Does Physiotherapy for Neck Pain Involve?

Assessment at Lambert Sports Clinic includes a detailed history, neurological screening, assessment of cervical movement and joint mobility, and muscle strength testing. Treatment is guided by the assessment findings and may include:

• Manual therapy — joint mobilisation and manipulation where appropriate
• Specific exercise programmes for neck and scapular stabilisers
• Soft tissue techniques for muscle tension
• Ergonomic and posture advice
• Education and self-management strategies

When Should I See a Physiotherapist for Neck Pain?

You should seek physiotherapy if neck pain has been present for more than a few days and is not improving, if it is affecting your daily activities or sleep, or if you have arm symptoms (pain, tingling, or numbness) alongside your neck pain. If neck pain is accompanied by severe neurological symptoms, problems with balance or walking, or follows significant trauma, seek urgent medical attention.