Types of neck pain we can assist with
Acute Wry Neck
Acute wry neck (torticollis) presents as sudden, severe neck pain with significant restriction of movement — often noticed upon waking or following an awkward movement. The head is held in a tilted, rotated position and moving it causes sharp pain. While alarming and debilitating, acute wry neck typically responds extremely well to chiropractic care, often with rapid improvement over the first few treatments. Getting assessed and treated promptly leads to faster resolution.
Postural Neck Pain
Prolonged screen use, desk work, driving and looking down at mobile devices all place sustained load on the cervical spine — far more than the neck was designed to tolerate over extended periods. The result is postural neck pain: a dull ache in the neck and upper shoulders that builds through the day, often accompanied by headaches, shoulder tension and restricted neck movement. This is among the most common presentations I see, and addressing it requires both hands-on treatment and correction of the postural habits that caused it.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the upper cervical joints and surrounding structures and are referred into the head, often causing base-of-skull pain, one-sided headaches or facial pain. They are frequently misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines. Chiropractic care targeting the upper cervical spine can assist with cervicogenic headaches. See the headache treatment page for more information.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated — most commonly by a disc herniation or bony osteophyte. The result is pain, numbness, tingling or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand, following a specific nerve distribution. Identifying which nerve root is involved is essential for directing treatment. Conservative chiropractic care manages the majority of cervical radiculopathy presentations effectively, though imaging is often valuable for confirming the diagnosis.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a cervical spine injury caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration forces — most commonly from a motor vehicle accident, but also from sports impacts or falls. It affects muscles, ligaments, discs and facet joints in the neck, producing a complex clinical picture that can include pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness and cognitive symptoms. TAC (Transport Accident Commission) patients are welcome at Momentum, and Dr Poulton has extensive experience managing whiplash-associated disorders and navigating TAC-funded care.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis refers to age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine — disc degeneration, facet joint arthropathy and osteophyte formation. It is present in most people over 50 to some degree and becomes symptomatic in many. While these changes cannot be reversed, their impact on pain and function can be managed effectively with regular chiropractic care, appropriate exercise and lifestyle modifications. Dr Poulton has extensive experience managing cervical spondylosis in older patients and developing long-term management plans that support active, comfortable lives.
How we approach neck pain at Momentum
Effective neck pain management begins with accurate diagnosis. The neck is a complex structure — the same symptom can arise from very different underlying causes, and treatment needs to be targeted accordingly.
Dr Poulton's approach combines:
- Spinal adjustments — targeted cervical and upper thoracic manipulation to restore normal joint mechanics
- Soft tissue therapy — manual release of the deep cervical muscles and surrounding fascia, which are almost always involved in neck pain presentations
- Laser therapy — for presentations with significant inflammation, particularly tendon and facet joint involvement
- Prescribed exercise — cervical stabilisation and strengthening exercises to maintain improvement between sessions
- Postural correction — workstation assessment, device use habits and posture retraining
Most neck pain presentations respond within 3–6 sessions, with many patients noticing improvement from the first treatment. Chronic conditions and radiculopathy presentations may require a longer course of care.
Neck pain FAQ
Can chiropractic help my neck pain?
In most cases, yes. Chiropractic care has a strong evidence base for neck pain — both acute and chronic — and is recommended in clinical guidelines internationally. Dr Poulton's 30+ years of experience treating cervical spine conditions means she has seen and treated the full spectrum of presentations. The first step is a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure chiropractic care is the appropriate approach.
How many sessions will I need?
For most acute neck pain presentations — including acute wry neck and postural neck pain — 3–6 sessions is a typical treatment course. Chronic conditions, radiculopathy and whiplash presentations often require more sessions. Dr Poulton will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific presentation at your initial assessment.
Can chiropractic assist with cervicogenic headaches?
Yes — chiropractic care can be highly effective for cervicogenic headaches, which originate from dysfunction in the upper cervical joints and surrounding structures. Many patients who have been managing headaches with medication for years find significant relief once the cervical component is identified and treated appropriately.
Is chiropractic safe for neck pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care for neck pain is safe in the vast majority of patients. Serious adverse events from cervical manipulation are extremely rare. Dr Poulton performs a thorough pre-treatment assessment for every patient, including screening for contraindications to cervical manipulation. She uses a range of treatment techniques and will always select the most appropriate and safe approach for your specific presentation.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with Momentum Chiropractic. Medicare EPC patients, TAC patients and WorkCover patients are all welcome.
Can you treat whiplash?
Yes. Dr Poulton has extensive experience managing whiplash-associated disorders and is a TAC registered provider. TAC patients can access funded chiropractic care following a motor vehicle accident. Dr Poulton understands both the clinical complexities of whiplash management and the administrative requirements of TAC-funded care.