Locked Neck and How Physiotherapy Can Help You Move Again
Waking up with a stiff or locked neck can be a frustrating and painful experience. You might find yourself unable to turn your head, experiencing muscle spasms, or feeling like your neck is “stuck” in one position. This condition, commonly referred to as a locked neck or acute wry neck, can affect people of all ages and activity levels.
At Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc, we treat locked necks using a combination of hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and advanced techniques like dry needling to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and restore mobility—often within just a few sessions.
What is a Locked Neck?
A locked neck occurs when the joints or muscles in your neck become irritated, inflamed, or spasmed. It can come on suddenly after waking up, turning your head, or even with stress and poor posture.
There are two main causes:
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Facet Joint Locking – Small joints in your neck (called facet joints) can get “stuck” or irritated, causing sharp, localized pain and restricting movement.
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Muscle Spasm – Neck muscles may tighten and go into spasm, locking the neck in one position as a protective response.
Normal Neck muscle and joint anatomy
Your neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven small bones (C1 to C7) stacked on top of each other. Between each pair of bones are facet joints—these are small, flat joints that help your neck move smoothly in all directions like a well-oiled hinge.
Facet Joints:
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Found on both sides of each vertebra
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Allow for movements like turning, tilting, and looking up or down
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Can become inflamed or locked due to sudden movements, poor posture, or strain
Neck Muscles:
There are several important muscles that support your neck:
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Trapezius – A large muscle that runs from your neck to your shoulders and upper back
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Levator Scapulae – Lifts the shoulder blade and can cause pain when tight
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Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) – Runs from behind your ear to your collarbone; helps with turning the head
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Scalenes – Small muscles on the side of the neck that assist with breathing and neck movement
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Deep neck flexors and extensors – Tiny muscles that stabilize and support the cervical spine
When these muscles tighten or spasm—often due to poor posture or stress—they can severely restrict neck motion and cause intense discomfort.
Common Symptoms of a Locked Neck
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Sudden, sharp pain in the neck
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Inability to turn your head in one direction
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Muscle tightness or spasms
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Head tilted awkwardly to one side
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Pain radiating to the shoulder or upper back
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Headaches at the base of the skull
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc, we take a personalized and holistic approach to relieve your pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence.
1. Thorough Assessment
We start with a detailed assessment to determine if your pain is due to joint locking, muscle spasm, or both. This helps us develop a custom treatment plan.
2. Manual Therapy and Mobilization
Our physiotherapists use gentle, hands-on techniques to:
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Mobilize stiff facet joints
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Reduce pain and improve joint alignment
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Release tight muscles and improve blood flow
3. Dry Needling
Dry needling is one of the most effective techniques for releasing deep muscle tension. Using fine, sterile needles, we target trigger points (tight knots) in muscles such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene group. Benefits include:
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Immediate muscle relaxation
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Reduced spasm and pain
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Improved neck movement
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Better blood circulation to promote healing
Most patients feel significantly more relaxed and mobile even after just one session of dry needling.
4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
We guide you through safe and effective exercises to:
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Improve flexibility in stiff muscles
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Strengthen your deep neck stabilizers
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Promote better posture and reduce the risk of recurrence
5. Postural and Ergonomic Advice
We’ll coach you on how to adjust your desk setup, sleeping position, and daily habits to support neck health and prevent future flare-ups.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should seek help if:
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Your neck pain persists beyond a day or two
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You have headaches, shoulder pain, or numbness
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You cannot turn your head without pain
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Your sleep or work is being affected
Unlock Your Neck—And Your Comfort
A locked neck may feel alarming, but it’s highly treatable. With a combination of manual therapy, dry needling, and guided rehabilitation, you can return to your normal routine pain-free.
Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc is here to help you move again—safely and confidently.
Book your physiotherapy appointment today and let our experienced team unlock your neck and get you back to living fully.