Neck pain treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see at the Wokingham Therapy Clinic. Whether it is a stiff neck from sleeping awkwardly, a chronic ache from long hours at a desk, or a more serious cervical condition, our team of therapists can help you find lasting relief.

On this page

1. Common causes of neck pain
2. Symptoms
3. How we treat neck pain
4. Research and evidence
5. Self-help advice
6. Our acupuncturist

1. Common causes of neck pain

Neck pain can arise from a number of different causes. The most common include:

• Poor posture – long hours spent looking down at a phone or laptop (often called "text neck" or "tech neck")
• Muscle strain – from sleeping in an awkward position, sudden movements or lifting heavy objects
• Whiplash – following a road traffic accident or sports injury
• Cervical spondylosis – age-related wear and tear of the cervical spine
• Stress and tension – which causes the muscles of the neck and shoulders to tighten
• Trapped nerve – causing pain that radiates down the arm

2. Symptoms of neck pain

Neck pain can range from a mild ache to severe, debilitating pain. Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness and reduced range of movement
• Sharp or shooting pain
• Dull, persistent aching
• Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm or hand
• Headaches originating at the base of the skull
• Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers
• Difficulty turning the head

3. How we treat neck pain

We offer a range of complementary therapies for neck pain, allowing us to tailor treatment to your specific needs:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is highly effective for neck pain. It works by reducing muscle tension, improving blood flow to the affected area and triggering the release of the body's natural painkillers. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto uses traditional Chinese acupuncture to address both the local pain and any underlying imbalances contributing to it.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy uses gentle manipulation and mobilisation techniques to restore normal movement to the joints of the neck and upper back. It is particularly useful where neck pain is associated with postural problems or restricted joint mobility.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy combines hands-on treatment with targeted exercises to strengthen the deep neck muscles and improve posture. This approach is especially helpful for chronic neck pain and work-related conditions.

Sports massage

Sports massage targets the tight muscles of the neck and shoulders, releasing trigger points and improving tissue flexibility.

Cupping therapy

Cupping therapy uses suction to lift the soft tissues, increasing local blood flow and releasing deep muscle tension. It is often combined with acupuncture for stubborn neck and shoulder pain.

4. Research and evidence

A number of high-quality studies support the use of acupuncture for neck pain. A 2016 Cochrane review concluded that acupuncture provides short-term pain relief for people with chronic mechanical neck pain. A large pragmatic trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that both acupuncture and the Alexander Technique were effective in reducing chronic neck pain compared to usual care alone.

For musculoskeletal conditions more broadly, NICE guidelines recommend manual therapy (osteopathy, physiotherapy and manipulation) alongside exercise as first-line treatments.

5. Self-help advice

Alongside treatment, the following can help prevent and manage neck pain:

• Set up your workstation so your screen is at eye level
• Take regular breaks from screens – aim to stand up every 30 minutes
• Use a supportive pillow that keeps the neck in a neutral position
• Avoid cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder
• Practise gentle neck stretches regularly
• Manage stress through exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.