Understanding Neck Pain: Beyond the Diagnosis

Let’s look past the scans and get to what really helps.

Neck pain. It’s frustrating, distracting, and all too familiar to many of us — especially in today’s desk-bound world. The big question clients often ask me is: what’s causing it? A slipped disc? A pinched nerve? A strained muscle?

But here's the truth: while identifying the exact structure can be useful, it’s often less important than understanding how your body is responding — and how we can support it to feel better, move better, and stay well.

🎯 The ARTS Approach to Neck Pain

In my clinic, I use the ARTS System — a framework I’ve developed to guide you through the healing process:

• A – Assess the problem

• R – Respond to what your body needs

• T – Treat the underlying causes

• S – Sustain the gains

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden flare-up or long-standing discomfort, this approach gives you structure, support, and lasting results.

🔍 A – Assess the Problem

Every neck pain story is different. That’s why I begin with a thorough assessment — not just a quick look and prod.

We’ll chat through:

• When and how your pain began

• What makes it worse or better

• The nature of the pain — aching, sharp, burning, stiff

• What you’ve already tried

By the time we move to physical testing, I already have a strong working theory. The hands-on part is about confirming (or sometimes ruling out) what I suspect.

🪑 R – Respond to What Your Body Needs

When you're in pain, your body often tries to protect you by adopting a new posture. Rather than fighting to "sit up straight," I encourage you to listen to your body’s cues — and support it.

That might mean:

• Propping your arms on cushions

• Using pillows or even a temporary collar to reduce strain

• Taping your shoulders for support (I use Dynamic Tape, which is breathable, waterproof and great for postural cues)

Muscle spasm is a common consequence of neck pain. My initial treatment usually starts here — with gentle hands-on work to reduce tension, improve circulation, and restore basic mobility.

🧠 T – Treat the Underlying Causes

Sometimes we know the exact tissue involved — sometimes we don’t. But that’s okay. My first priority is to reduce your pain and help you feel supported — not to chase a textbook diagnosis.

Instead, we’ll focus on:

• What you need for recovery

• Restoring range of motion

• Improving strength, posture, and daily movement habits

• Reducing lifestyle triggers (like stress or desk set-up)

I often remind people: neck pain doesn’t always come from one structure. It comes from the way your whole system works together — or doesn’t.

💪 S – Sustain the Gains

This is the part that gets skipped in a lot of rehab. But not here.

Once your pain settles, I’ll help you:

• Learn which areas need regular support

• Recognise your personal triggers

• Build a toolkit of self-care strategies that actually work

• Know when to step in early — before it becomes a big issue

I don’t want you waiting until pain takes over to call me. I want to be your guide and teammate — especially when you’ve tried your go-to strategies and need just a little help to get back on track.

Neck Pain Is Common — But It Doesn’t Have to Be Your Normal

Whether you're working from the kitchen table, juggling a laptop on the sofa, or just feeling stiff and stuck, there is a way through. By focusing less on labels and more on function, posture, and daily behaviours, we can unlock long-term relief.

Your body has incredible capacity for change. And with the right support, you’ll not only recover — you’ll come back stronger, more aware, and more confident in your own movement.

📚 Related Resources

💬 Have you joined my Facebook group yet?
👉 Lisa Kerry’s Physiotherapy Hub is where I share tips, challenges, and support between sessions.

🧠 Download your free Desk Decompress Guide here 

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