Neck And Shoulder Pain
Neck and shoulder pain often arrive together, and for good reason.
The muscles, joints, and nerves in these two areas are closely connected. When one region is under strain, the other frequently compensates. Over time, that compensation can become its own source of discomfort.
Most people don’t realise how much their daily habits are feeding the problem. Long hours at a desk, driving, carrying bags on one shoulder, sleeping in an awkward position, stress that settles into the upper body. It all adds up.
At Northbridge Chiropractic, we look at both areas together and at what may be driving the pattern, not just where it hurts.
Why Neck and Shoulder Pain Often Go Together
The neck and shoulder share a network of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. When something is not moving well in one area, the surrounding structures pick up the slack.
Some of the things that commonly contribute to neck and shoulder pain include:
➜ Soft tissue injuries to the ligaments, muscles, or tendons of the neck and shoulder region.
➜ Muscle tension that builds from prolonged desk work, screen time, or driving.
➜ Postural patterns where the head sits forward and the shoulders round inward, placing ongoing load through the neck and upper back.
➜ Cervical radiculopathy, where a pinched nerve in the neck refers pain, numbness, or tingling into the shoulder or arm.
➜ Rotator cuff injuries or tendinitis in the shoulder that can spread discomfort upward into the neck.
➜ Degenerative changes such as arthritis or disc changes in the cervical spine.
➜ Stress, which many people carry physically through their neck and shoulders without realising it.
How We Approach Neck and Shoulder Pain at Northbridge
We start with a thorough assessment to understand your full picture.
During your initial examination, we look at how your cervical spine, shoulder joints, and surrounding soft tissue are functioning. We ask about your daily routine, your work setup, your activity levels, and how long you have been experiencing discomfort.
Because neck and shoulder pain often involves multiple contributing factors, our approach is hands-on and personalised. Depending on what we find, your care may include chiropractic adjustments to support movement and function in the cervical spine and surrounding joints, dry needling to address trigger points and muscle tension in the neck, shoulder, and upper back, trigger point therapy and myofascial release to work through soft tissue restrictions, active release therapy which uses a combination of movement and hands-on technique to address soft tissue, and Gua Sha, a traditional hands-on muscle therapy technique that can support circulation and release tension in the affected area.
We also look at the bigger picture. Your body adapts to what you do daily, and alongside hands-on care we often discuss small practical changes that can support your progress between visits.
Stretches That May Help
Gentle, controlled stretching can be a helpful part of managing neck and shoulder tension. Some commonly recommended stretches include:
Your practitioner will recommend the stretches most relevant to your situation and show you how to perform them safely. Stretching works best as part of a broader care plan that addresses the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Two Things You Can Try at Home
These are general suggestions many people find helpful for neck and shoulder tension. They are not a substitute for professional care, but they are a practical starting point.
What Happens at Your Appointment
If this is your first visit to Northbridge Chiropractic, here is what to expect.
Your first appointment is longer than a standard visit. We take time to understand your history, what you are currently experiencing, and how long it has been going on. We ask about your daily routine, your workstation setup, your stress levels, and your sleep, as these all play a role in neck and shoulder health.
We then carry out a physical assessment to look at how your cervical spine, shoulder joints, and surrounding soft tissue are functioning.
We will walk you through what we find and explain what may be contributing to your discomfort. If we feel chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation, we will outline what a care plan could look like and give you a realistic sense of what to expect over time.
There is no pressure. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you like before making any decisions.
Follow-up appointments are more focused. As we get to know how your body responds, we adjust the approach accordingly.
Would you like to understand what may be contributing to your neck and shoulder pain?
If discomfort in these areas has been affecting your work, your sleep, or your daily life, we would be happy to help.
Book online to secure your appointment with Dr Mario Vinci or Nicola Colebrook at Northbridge Chiropractic, Perth. Or call us on (08) 9227 9341.
We accept all major health fund cards.
Get in touch
- 6/177 Stirling Street Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours
Dr Mario:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr Nicola:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday – 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
