Where does neck pain come from?
Most neck pain comes from the muscles and joints of the neck: long hours at a screen, sleeping in an awkward position, stress, a sudden movement. A cricked neck, painful stiffness that blocks head rotation, is a common form.
This pain is usually harmless and improves within a few days. Pain that persists, keeps coming back or follows a blow deserves medical advice.
How can osteopathy help?
Your neck carries your head all day, and it is very sensitive to posture and stress. When the neck and shoulder muscles stay tight, mobility drops, pain appears, and the tension can travel up to the back of the head and cause headaches.
What I look at
- the mobility of the neck vertebrae and upper back;
- the muscles of the neck, shoulders and jaw, which often tighten together;
- how you hold your head and shoulders at work and at rest;
- your breathing, which also uses the neck muscles when it is shallow.
What I work on
I release tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back with gentle techniques: progressive mobilisation, work on muscles and soft tissues, and techniques around the base of the skull and the jaw if needed. I always choose techniques suited to your age and condition, after checking there is no reason not to treat.
What you can expect
The aim is to restore mobility to your neck, reduce tension and relieve the pain that comes with it, including some tension-related headaches. We also look together at what keeps it going day to day, so the improvement lasts: screen, breaks, sleep, stress.
For migraine, osteopathy can support the associated neck tension, alongside the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Which headaches are a concern?
The vast majority of headaches are harmless. Tension headaches, often described as a tight band or a vice, are common and can come with neck tension.
Some headaches, however, are emergencies. French recommendations include a sudden headache that peaks within a minute, a recent and unusual headache, or one with fever or neurological signs. In these situations, call 15 (SAMU) or 112.
What can I do day to day?
A few simple habits often help:
- set your screen at eye level and bring it closer if needed;
- take regular breaks to move your head and shoulders and stand up;
- keep up regular physical activity;
- look after your sleep and your sources of tension.
At the practice
We start by talking about your pain: where it is, how often, what triggers it, your work, your sleep and any treatment. I check for warning signs. I then examine the mobility of your neck, shoulders and upper back, and work with gentle, suitable manual techniques. We finish with advice on your workstation and your breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is neck manipulation dangerous?
I choose techniques suited to each person and their age, and first look for any signs that rule treatment out. If in doubt, I refer you to your doctor.
Can osteopathy help with migraine?
Migraine is a condition that calls for medical follow-up first. Osteopathy can work alongside, especially when neck tension is involved, without replacing the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
What can I do at work to avoid neck pain?
Set the top of your screen at eye level, keep your shoulders relaxed, and take regular breaks to move your head and shoulders.
Is it reimbursed?
Most top-up insurers (mutuelles) and many international insurers cover part of the cost of osteopathy: check with yours. The French national health insurance (Sécurité sociale) does not reimburse it.
Sources
Page updated on 11 October 2026.