Neck Pain: A Modern Epidemic
Neck pain affects up to 70% of people at some point in their lives and has increased significantly with the rise of desk work and smartphone use.
In Amsterdam’s busy professional environment, we see it daily in our clinic. The good news: with the right approach, most neck pain resolves fully.
Types of Neck Pain We Treat
Non-Specific Neck Pain
The most common type — aching stiffness without a clear structural cause, often linked to sustained postures, muscle tension, and stress. Responds well to manual therapy, exercise, and ergonomic correction.
Cervicogenic Headache
In addition, Headaches originating from the neck joints and muscles. Typically one-sided, starting at the base of the skull and radiating to the forehead or eye. Often misdiagnosed as migraine. Manual therapy targeting the upper cervical joints is highly effective.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Nerve Pain)
Sharp, burning pain or tingling radiating from the neck into the arm and fingers — caused by compression of a cervical nerve root. Physiotherapy, including traction techniques and specific exercises, resolves most cases without surgery.
Whiplash-Associated Disorder
Following sudden acceleration-deceleration injury (typically a car accident or sports collision). Active rehabilitation starting early — not prolonged rest — produces the best outcomes.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
- Manual therapy — mobilisation and manipulation to restore cervical joint movement
- Deep neck flexor training — reactivating the stabilising muscles of the cervical spine
- Thoracic mobilisation — stiff mid-back is a major contributor to neck symptoms
- Acupuncture — effective for chronic neck pain and tension headache
- Ergonomic assessment — workstation setup is often the root cause and the simplest fix
Book a Neck Pain Assessment
Moreover, At Alter Physio & Acupuncture in Amsterdam, we assess the full picture — neck, thoracic spine, shoulder girdle,. Lifestyle factors — to provide treatment that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Most patients experience significant relief within 3–5 sessions.
nWritten by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
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Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
