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Neck Pain Treatment in Dublin

By Dr Lawrence Woods

Neck pain is very common, and most of it gets better within a few weeks [1][2]. This page explains what usually helps, what the research shows, when to get medical help, and how we approach neck pain treatment at our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.

This page is about neck pain that stays mainly in the neck and shoulders. If you have pain, pins and needles or numbness going down your arm, see our page on a trapped nerve in the neck.

What causes neck pain?

Common causes include sleeping in an awkward position, sitting in one position for a long time, for example at a desk, and minor strains or injuries [1]. Often there is no single clear cause. Neck pain can feel worrying, but most of the time it is not a sign of anything serious.

A "locked" or stiff neck, where it suddenly hurts to turn your head, is common. It usually eases over days to a few weeks [1][2].

What does the research show for neck pain treatment?

We follow current clinical guidelines. These include the US physiotherapy guideline for neck pain (2017) [5], an international guideline from the OPTIMa task force (2016) [6] and the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative (2016) [7].

Keep moving

The guidelines start with reassurance and advice to stay active [5][6][7]. The HSE advises keeping your neck moving rather than holding it still [1]. Neck collars are not recommended for ordinary neck pain [2][6].

Exercise

Exercise is at the centre of every major guideline, especially for neck pain that lasts longer than a few weeks [5][6][7]. This includes neck and shoulder strengthening, exercises for the deep neck muscles, and range-of-motion exercises you can do at home. No one type of exercise is clearly best, so the right exercise is one you will keep doing.

Hands-on treatment

Hands-on treatment (manual therapy) means manipulation, mobilisation or massage of the neck or upper back. A Cochrane review found that manipulation may ease neck pain in the short term, but there is no high-quality evidence that it works better than other treatments [8]. The guidelines mostly recommend it as part of a plan that includes exercise [5][7].

About neck traction

Neck traction uses a table to apply a gentle, controlled pull to the neck. The research on it is limited and mixed.

  • Neck pain that stays in the neck: a 2017 review of 7 trials found traction eased pain slightly more than a placebo straight after treatment, but the difference didn't last [9]. A Cochrane review found too little good-quality research to say whether it helps [10]. The US physiotherapy guideline says it may be used as part of a wider plan [5].
  • Arm pain from a nerve in the neck: see our page on a trapped nerve in the neck.

If you're interested in traction, we'll discuss whether it's suitable for you. We only use it as an optional addition to an exercise-based plan, review it at your sixth visit, and stop if it isn't helping. Some people should not have traction at all: see spinal decompression for who it is not suitable for.

If you're booking mainly for traction, please call us first. We'll explain how we use it, so you know what to expect before your visit.

How we approach neck pain in Dublin

Our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin is led by Dr Lawrence Woods, a chiropractor with over 30 years' experience, and Kate Ryan, a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist and member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

  • Assessment first. Your first visit is an assessment, which includes a first treatment if it is suitable. We check for warning signs and ask about your health before any hands-on treatment.
  • A plan built around exercise. Your plan is based on staying active and exercise, in line with the guidelines, with hands-on treatment as part of it if it suits you.
  • A review at your sixth visit. We check your progress against your goals. If you are not improving, we will say so and talk about other options, including seeing your GP.

Questions about neck pain

Is neck manipulation safe?

Short-lived soreness, stiffness or headache afterwards is common. Very rarely, a tear in an artery in the neck can cause a stroke. A large US study of over 860,000 adults with new neck pain or headache found no higher risk of this after chiropractic neck manipulation than after being prescribed ibuprofen [11]. The research is still not certain, so we check your health first, explain the benefits and risks, and only go ahead if you agree. Neck manipulation is always optional, and there are gentler alternatives.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI scan?

Usually not. Most neck pain gets better within a few weeks [1][2]. If you have warning signs, or you are not improving, we will refer you to your GP, who can arrange a scan if needed.

Can I see you without a GP referral?

Yes, you can book directly. After your assessment, we may refer you to your GP if you need further tests, such as an MRI scan or blood tests.

If you would like an assessment, you can book an appointment, start with our online questionnaire, or contact us with any questions.

Sources

  1. HSE (2026). Neck pain. Health Service Executive, Ireland. Page last reviewed 3 March 2026. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/neck-pain/
  2. NHS (2023). Neck pain. NHS website. Page last reviewed 27 April 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neck-pain/
  3. HSE. Stroke: symptoms. Health Service Executive, Ireland. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/stroke/symptoms/
  4. Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. Degenerative cervical myelopathy. https://leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/musculoskeletal-msk/neck-problems/known-and-diagnosed-neck-problems/degenerative-cervical-myelopathy/
  5. Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, et al. (2017). Neck pain: revision 2017. Clinical practice guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 47(7):A1–A83. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0302
  6. Côté P, Wong JJ, Sutton D, et al. (2016). Management of neck pain and associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. European Spine Journal 25(7):2000–2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4467-7
  7. Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. (2016). The treatment of neck pain–associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 39(8):523–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.08.007
  8. Gross A, Langevin P, Burnie SJ, et al. (2015). Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004249. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004249.pub4
  9. Yang JD, Tam KW, Huang TW, et al. (2017). Intermittent cervical traction for treating neck pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Spine 42(13):959–965. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000001948
  10. Graham N, Gross A, Goldsmith CH, et al. (2008). Mechanical traction for neck pain with or without radiculopathy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD006408. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006408.pub2
  11. Trager RJ, Baumann AN, Labak CM, et al. (2026). Association between spinal manipulative therapy and cervical artery dissection in patients with neck pain or headache: a retrospective cohort study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 34:53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-026-00678-4