Performance Lab Physio
Neck Pain
What is it?
Neck pain is very common and can affect everything from turning your head to driving, to working at a desk or sleeping comfortably. It often develops when the muscles, joints or discs in your neck become strained, irritated or go through gradual changes over time. This can lead to stiffness, aching, headaches, or sharp twinges that make everyday activities harder.
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Nerve-related arm pain sometimes occurs alongside neck pain. This happens when a nerve in the neck is irritated or compressed, which can send pain, tingling, numbness or weakness into your shoulder, arm or hand. It may feel like a deep ache, a sharp shooting pain, or pins-and-needles.
What Physio Can do to Help
Our physiotherapists will assess your neck, posture and movement patterns to find the root cause of your pain — not just treat the symptoms. Treatment may include gentle hands-on therapy to ease stiffness, exercises to strengthen and stabilise your neck and shoulders, postural advice for work and daily life, and specific nerve exercises if needed. With the right approach, many people experience reduced pain, improved movement, fewer headaches and a return to their normal activities.
Why Choose Performance Lab Physio
At Performance Lab Physio, we understand how frustrating neck pain and nerve-related arm pain can be. That’s why we take a whole-body approach rather than treating your neck in isolation.
Your first visit includes a detailed 45-minute assessment where we’ll look at your neck, posture, shoulder strength, flexibility and how you move day-to-day. This helps us uncover the real reasons behind your pain.
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Our team of highly experienced physiotherapists in Blackburn and Burnley all have at least 10 years of specialist experience treating muscle, bone and joint problems — including complex neck and nerve conditions. We combine hands-on treatment, tailored exercise programmes and evidence-based advice to give you the best possible outcome, and we’ll guide you clearly through each stage so you know what to expect.
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Our focus is always on long-term results. We don’t just want to get you out of pain — we want to keep you moving, active and confident for the future, with practical tools and personalised advice to help you manage your neck health for years to come.
FAQ's
What’s the difference between neck pain and nerve pain into the arm?
Neck pain is felt in the neck and upper shoulders, often from joints or muscles. Nerve-related pain occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated, causing pain, tingling or numbness down the arm or into the hand.
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Do I need a scan before coming to physiotherapy?
Most people with back pain or sciatica don’t need an X-ray or MRI to start treatment. Our physiotherapists are trained to assess your symptoms and decide if further investigations are necessary.
How long will it take to feel better?
Everyone’s recovery time is different. Many people notice improvement after a few sessions, especially if they follow their exercise plan at home. Chronic or long-term pain may take longer but can still improve with the right approach.
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Can physiotherapy help with nerve-related arm pain?
Yes. We use hands-on treatment, posture correction, exercise therapy and specific nerve exercises to reduce irritation and help the nerve glide more freely.
Will I have to stop my normal activities?
Usually not. Staying as active as you comfortably can is often recommended. We’ll show you how to modify movements so you can keep working, exercising or looking after family while you recover.​
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What should I bring to my first appointment?
Comfortable clothing you can move in, a list of any medications you take, and any recent scan or test results (if you have them). This helps us get the full picture.
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How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and goals. After your first assessment we’ll outline a clear treatment plan so you know how many sessions are likely and what to expect at each stage.