Musculoskeletal · Conditions

Neck Pain Treatment in Exeter – Comprehensive Care for Lasting Relief

If neck pain is getting in the way of your daily activities, our physiotherapists can assess you and talk you through your options.

Barefoot physiotherapist supporting a patient’s head while treating the neck and upper shoulder on the treatment couch

Condition overview

Struggling with Neck Pain?

Neck pain is more than just an inconvenience, it can affect your sleep, your concentration and your ability to get through the day. Whether it’s a persistent dull ache or a sharp pain that limits how far you can turn your head, we understand how wearing it can be to live with. At Barefoot, we focus not just on easing the symptoms but on finding and addressing the root cause, so you get lasting relief.

You might be asking yourself:

  • Why does my neck hurt when I sit at my desk or look over my shoulder?
  • Why do I wake up with neck stiffness and headaches?
  • Could my neck be causing my headaches or even dizziness?

Mechanical Causes of Neck Pain We Treat

  • Mechanical (movement-related) pain and stiffnessCommon in people who spend long hours at a desk or looking down at screens.
  • Muscle strainsOveruse or sudden movements causing tightness and pain.
  • Disc injuriesBulging or herniated discs in the neck that can irritate nerves and refer pain into the arms.
  • ArthritisDegenerative changes in the neck causing ongoing stiffness and pain.
  • Deconditioning and postureProlonged inactivity and sustained positions that weaken the muscles supporting the neck.

Other Neck-Related Conditions We Help With

  • Cervicogenic headachesHeadaches driven by problems in the neck, which respond well to physiotherapy.
  • Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD)Pain, stiffness and restricted movement following trauma such as a car accident.
  • Stress and tension-related painChronic tension settling into the neck and shoulders, which we ease by restoring healthy, relaxed movement.

Why Barefoot

Why Choose Barefoot Physio?

We treat neck pain with a personalised, hands-on approach. Our HCPC-registered physiotherapists take a holistic view of your posture, lifestyle and movement to diagnose accurately and treat effectively. As a multidisciplinary team we can also bring in sports and remedial massage, strength and conditioning and shockwave therapy where they’ll help, all across our Exeter and Bovey Tracey clinics.

Our physiotherapists regularly treat neck pain, cervicogenic headaches and whiplash. James Morgan has advanced post-graduate training in spinal assessment and years of experience with whiplash-associated disorder, having built tailored recovery plans for patients following road traffic accidents. Elly Skinner brings extensive NHS experience as a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, so you can be confident your neck is being assessed thoroughly and treated with a clear plan.

How we can help

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes

  1. In-Depth Assessment

    A holistic look at your posture, lifestyle and movement to find the cause.

  2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

    To release muscle tension, restore mobility and promote healing.

  3. Tailored Exercise Therapy

    Strengthening to improve neck stability and support lasting recovery.

  4. Movement Retraining

    Practical guidance to reduce strain through the day, especially at a desk.

  5. Ongoing Support

    Advice and follow-up to keep your neck healthy long term, backed by an easy-to-follow exercise app.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the neck and are common. Physiotherapy that addresses the neck often relieves these headaches.

Is my neck pain caused by bad posture?

Posture can be a factor, but it’s rarely the whole story. We look at the bigger picture, movement, strength, stress and daily habits, to find what’s really driving your pain.

Can neck pain cause dizziness?

It can. Some types of neck dysfunction contribute to dizziness, which we’ll assess carefully and, where needed, refer on appropriately.

Should I worry about a stiff neck in the morning?

Occasional morning stiffness is usually nothing to worry about. If it’s persistent, worsening, or comes with other symptoms, an assessment is worthwhile.

How long does whiplash take to recover?

Recovery varies, but many people improve steadily over weeks with the right guidance and exercise. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your assessment.

Book Your Neck Pain Consultation Today

If neck pain is affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help you move freely and comfortably again.

  • Two clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey
  • HCPC-registered physiotherapists
  • No higher fee for your first assessment
The Barefoot Physio team at the Exeter clinic