Condition library
Neck pain from desk work: why does my neck hurt after sitting at a computer?
Neck pain from desk work is a dull ache or tightness in the neck and tops of the shoulders, sometimes with headaches from the base of the skull, that builds over the working day. It's usually caused by sustained, unchanging postures, not by one “bad” posture. Long hours at a laptop, stress, poor sleep and low physical activity all make it more likely. It is rarely serious, and it usually responds well to hands-on treatment, regular movement breaks and specific exercise. Glasgow Sport & Spine Clinic in Glasgow treats neck and shoulder pain in office workers, students and remote workers.
Seek urgent help — call 999 or go to A&E — if neck pain comes with:
- a sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before
- dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, drooping of the face, or loss of balance
- weakness or numbness in both arms, clumsy hands, or difficulty walking
- neck pain after a significant fall, collision or accident
See your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- you have neck pain with fever or feeling generally unwell
- you have unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- pain, pins and needles or numbness travels down one arm into the hand
Common causes
- sustained postures — long periods without changing position
- laptop use without a separate screen, keyboard and mouse
- stress and poor sleep, which increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity
- low overall activity and reduced upper back movement
How it's assessed
Assessment covers neck and upper back movement, nerve tests where there are arm symptoms, and screening questions before any neck manipulation. Your work setup and day are discussed so the plan fits your routine.
How it's treated at Glasgow Sport & Spine Clinic
- hands-on soft tissue treatment (ART, IASTM) to the neck, shoulders and upper back
- dry needling (acupuncture)
- mobilisation or manipulation of the upper back and neck, only after screening and with your agreement — many people prefer and do well without neck manipulation
- a short daily exercise routine and practical changes to your desk setup
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a perfect sitting posture?
- No. The best posture is the next one — changing position regularly matters more than holding one “correct” position.
- Is neck manipulation safe?
- Serious complications from neck manipulation are rare. Screening is done first, and it's always optional — there are other effective approaches.
- Can neck problems cause headaches?
- Yes. Tension in the neck and upper shoulders commonly contributes to headaches felt at the back of the head or behind the eyes. New or unusual severe headaches should always be checked by a doctor.
About the practitioner
Guy Murray, BA, BOst (Hons), HDip NMT, is the sole practitioner at Glasgow Sport & Spine Clinic, Suite 1.4, Redtree Business Suites, 33 Dalmarnock Rd, Glasgow G40 4LA. He has treated musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries in Glasgow since 2008, for patients ranging from office workers and older adults to professional athletes. He was the first practitioner in Scotland to be certified in full-body Active Release Technique (2011) and the first in the UK to complete the Postural Restoration Institute core courses, and trained directly under Leon Chaitow. Treatment sessions combine assessment, hands-on treatment and a home rehab plan.
Appointments: 07584 284854 · guy@glasgowsportandspine.co.uk · Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:30 · Book an appointment · Treatments and prices
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, see your GP or call NHS 111.