Neck Pain Treatment in Cardiff
Neck pain can make the simplest things difficult: checking your blind spot while driving, looking at a screen all day, or getting comfortable at night. It might have crept up over months of desk work, or come on suddenly after sleeping awkwardly.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors look at how your neck, upper back and shoulders are working together to find why your neck hurts. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease your pain, restore movement and help stop it coming back.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"Your neck carries the weight of your head all day – it's no surprise it can complain."
What causes neck pain?
Most neck pain is mechanical. It comes from how the joints, muscles, discs and ligaments of your neck are moving and coping with load, rather than from serious disease.
Common types include:
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Joint restriction – stiff joints in the neck that limit turning or tilting, often with muscle tightness
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Muscle strain – a sharp or achy pain after sleeping awkwardly, a sudden movement or a heavy session
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Postural and desk-related pain – a nagging ache that builds through the day, often with tight shoulders
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Whiplash – pain and stiffness after a car accident or sudden jolt
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Disc-related pain – deeper pain that may spread into the shoulder blade or arm
Things that commonly contribute:
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Long hours at a desk, laptop or phone
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Driving for long periods
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An unsupportive pillow or sleeping on your front
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Stress and holding tension in your shoulders
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Low activity levels or a sudden change in training
If your neck pain comes with headaches, see our headaches page. If you have pain, pins and needles or numbness down your arm, see our trapped nerve page.
How we can help
We look at how your neck, upper back and shoulders are moving as a whole, and what is putting them under strain. Your plan usually combines:
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Spinal adjustments and mobilisation to free up stiff, restricted joints
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease tight muscles
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Rehabilitation exercises to improve posture, strength and movement
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Practical advice on desk setup, screen use, sleep position and staying active
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
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A full case history: your symptoms, health, work and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Many people with recent neck pain notice a change within the first few sessions, while pain that has been around for months can take longer. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, not to keep you coming back. We review your progress regularly and will always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
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Keep moving gently. Slowly turn and tilt your head within a comfortable range a few times a day.
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Take regular screen breaks every 30–45 minutes.
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Raise your screen to eye level so you're not looking down for long periods.
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Use heat on tight, achy muscles if it feels comfortable.
When to get urgent help
Most neck pain is not serious, but go to A&E or call 999 if you have neck pain with any of these:
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Pain after a significant fall, accident or blow to the head
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Fever, a severe headache and a rash, or sensitivity to light
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Dizziness, double vision, slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
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Weakness, numbness or clumsiness in both arms or legs, or difficulty walking
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Will I need a scan?
Most neck pain doesn't need a scan. We will tell you if we think one would help and explain how to arrange it.
Does a neck adjustment hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. We explain everything first and always get your consent. If you'd prefer not to have your neck adjusted, we have gentler techniques that can be used instead.
How do I stop it coming back?
Building strength in your neck and upper back, and making small changes to your posture and daily routine, are key. That's why exercises and advice are a core part of every plan.
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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