Neck Pain
Usually a desk problem rather than an injury: stiffness, restricted turning, and headaches that arrive in the afternoon.
Common symptoms
- , Stiffness and restricted turning
- , Ache across the top of the shoulders
- , Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- , Pain worse late in the working day
- , Pins and needles into an arm
Common causes
- , Screen positioned too low or off to one side
- , Long hours without changing position
- , Sleeping awkwardly or an unsuitable pillow
- , Stress-related muscle tension
- , Joint irritation in the neck
The afternoon headache
A recognisable pattern walks into the clinic from the Westlands and Upper Hill offices most weeks: fine in the morning, tight by lunchtime, headache by three, and better by Saturday afternoon. That timing is diagnostic in itself, a problem driven by sustained posture rather than by damage.
Treating it and fixing it
Treatment eases the joint restriction and the muscle tension, which usually brings quick relief. Keeping it away requires the boring part: raising the monitor, getting the chair right, and standing up more than once every three hours.
Strengthening the deep neck muscles matters too. They fatigue quickly in people who spend all day with their head forward, and once they give out the larger surface muscles take over, which is exactly what produces the tightness.
How we treat it
- , Joint mobilisation to restore rotation
- , Soft-tissue release for the upper trapezius and levator
- , Dry needling for persistent trigger points
- , Deep neck flexor strengthening
- , Workstation assessment and adjustment
Typical recovery: Typically 2–4 weeks for uncomplicated neck pain
See a doctor urgently if you have
- !Neck pain after a significant fall or road accident
- !Progressive weakness or numbness in an arm or hand
- !Severe headache unlike any you have had before
- !Dizziness, visual disturbance or difficulty swallowing alongside neck pain
- !Fever with neck stiffness
These are not physiotherapy problems. Go to a doctor or hospital rather than booking with us.
Treatments that help
Common questions
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches typically start at the base of the skull and spread forward, often on one side, and they respond well to treating the neck. If your headaches have a clear neck component, this is very treatable.
My arm tingles. Is that serious?
It usually means a nerve in the neck is irritated. That is common and generally settles, but persistent or worsening weakness needs assessing promptly, tell us at the first appointment.
What pillow should I use?
One that keeps your neck level with your spine: which depends on whether you sleep on your side or your back, and on your build. There is no single best pillow, and expensive ones are not reliably better.
Book a physiotherapist in Nairobi
Clinic appointments in Westlands, or a physiotherapist at your door anywhere in Nairobi. Same-week slots.