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Neck & Shoulder Pain in Banstead, Surrey
If you’re struggling with neck or shoulder pain, stiffness, or that frustrating ache that makes it hard to turn your head or lift your arm, it’s easy to dismiss it at first. Maybe you’ve blamed it on “sleeping funny,” sitting at your desk too long, or just general tension that you hoped would settle down on its own…
But it isn’t easing off – and now it’s starting to affect your daily movement, mood, or even sleep.
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone – and we hear this all the time. Neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common issues people come to see us about at our physio clinic here in Banstead, Surrey, especially when it’s been lingering longer than expected.
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What Is Neck & Shoulder Pain?
Neck and shoulder pain is the second most common issue we treat at Body Zest, just behind lower back pain. It affects people of all ages and lifestyles, but it is especially prevalent today due to the sheer amount of time we spend sitting, working at screens, and looking down at phones. Even with the best ergonomic adjustments – monitor risers, screen adapters, improved seating – we simply aren’t designed to sit with our arms forward and our head angled at a screen for hours at a time. This prolonged positioning places strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and shoulders. Tight upper traps, shortened chest muscles, and forward-head posture all contribute to what we commonly call “tech neck”.
In addition, stress plays a major role. When life becomes overwhelming, we subconsciously raise our shoulders, alter our breathing, and hold tension in the upper back and neck. Over time, these patterns lead to persistent discomfort, restricted movement, and even headaches.
What are the symptoms of Neck & Shoulder Pain?
Neck and shoulder pain can show up in many ways. Common symptoms include:
- Tight, aching or burning pain in the neck or upper shoulders
- Headaches caused by muscle tension pulling upwards
- Stiffness after long periods of sitting or screen time
- Pain that builds gradually throughout the workday
- Discomfort when driving due to holding the steering wheel
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Waking with neck pain or stiffness
- Sensitivity when pressing into tight muscles
- Pain that radiates into the head, arms, or upper back
These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Many people find themselves dreading long drives, avoiding certain work tasks, or losing sleep because no pillow feels comfortable. Poor sleep then worsens pain, drops energy levels, and makes day-to-day life harder. Neck and shoulder pain is not only uncomfortable – it’s disruptive.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Neck & Shoulder Pain?
People often come to us after trying self-care strategies such as stretching, heat, ice, new pillows, or gentle massage. These approaches may offer short-term relief but rarely address the underlying cause. Our job is to identify what is driving the tension: posture, work habits, stress, weakness, joint stiffness, or a combination of factors.
Our first step is always to reduce muscle tension. We use hands-on techniques – soft-tissue work, massage, mobilisation, or gentle manipulation (if appropriate) – to ease tight muscles and get stiff joints moving. This typically provides immediate relief, helping you turn your head more freely and feel less restricted.
Next, we teach specific stretches and self-management techniques so you can keep things loose between appointments. These exercises help prevent the tension from quickly returning. Once symptoms settle, we progress to strengthening. This stage is essential for long-term improvement. We assess whether the neck is being overloaded because the upper back is weak or the shoulders are rounded forward. Strengthening the postural muscles across the upper back and shoulder blades can dramatically reduce strain on the neck and create better alignment throughout the day. Our goal is not only to ease your pain now, but to stop it returning in the future.
Get Your FREE Neck & Shoulder Pain Guide
If you’d like to understand your neck and shoulder pain more clearly – and discover simple ways to start easing it today – download our free Neck & Shoulder Pain Report. It includes helpful exercises, expert insights, and practical tips to support your recovery. When you’re ready for personalised care, our team is here to help you move comfortably and confidently again.