The neck course

Introduction

Psychosocial factors and pain science

Explore a modern, whole-person approach to neck pain that goes far beyond simple exercises, connecting pain science, psychosocial drivers, movement habits, and rehabilitation strategies. Learn how clearer communication, smarter loading, and a broader clinical lens can improve outcomes in both persistent and complex cervical conditions.

Dizziness and the cervical spine

Dizziness with neck pain demands a whole-person approach, from spotting red flags to understanding how visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems shape balance. Discover practical assessment tools and targeted rehabilitation strategies that can reduce both dizziness and persistent neck pain.

The biopsychosocial model

Discover how pain is shaped by an ever-changing mix of biological, psychological, and social factors—and why the key is identifying each person’s main driver. Learn practical ways to explore these influences, build better conversations, and support more effective care.

Movement patterns and the cervical spine

Discover how habitual neck movement patterns can drive pain—even without obvious injury—and why changing the pattern can ease symptoms. Learn to recognize flexion and extension presentations, understand the role of sensitivity and control, and apply targeted exercises that restore variation and confidence.

Whiplash and the cervical spine

Whiplash is more than a sore neck—it can trigger delayed symptoms, raise the risk of long-term pain, and challenge recovery in unexpected ways. Explore what truly predicts poor outcomes, why acceleration matters more than speed, and which rehab strategies and screenings can make the biggest difference.

Posture and the cervical spine

Rethink everything you’ve heard about “perfect” posture: it may matter far less than you think, except when changing position helps reduce pain. Explore why variety, relaxation, and smarter movement often matter more than rigid alignment for long-term comfort.

“Hands on” treatment and taping techniques

Discover a modern, evidence-based view of hands-on treatment for neck pain, where manual therapy is about far more than “putting joints back in place.” Learn which techniques may help short-term pain and movement, how context shapes results, and why combining treatment with rehab matters most.

Communication - the words we use

Discover how the language clinicians use can either fuel fear or build confidence in people with pain. Learn why listening longer, asking better questions, and reassuring patients that movement is safe can transform recovery and lead to better outcomes.

The shoulder girdle's influence on the cervical spine

Discover how the shoulder girdle can drive neck pain, alter cervical loading, and shape movement patterns in ways that are often missed. Learn how key muscles like the trapezius, serratus anterior, and latissimus dorsi influence assessment, exercise choices, and smarter rehabilitation.

Cognitive Functional Therapy and the cervical spine

Discover how cognitive functional therapy can transform persistent neck pain by addressing fear, tension, movement habits, and unhelpful beliefs—not just the symptoms. Learn why helping people relax, move with confidence, and regain control can lead to better outcomes than posture correction, passive care, or exercise alone.

Red Flags and the cervical spine

Learn how to spot serious vascular red flags behind neck pain, headache, and dizziness by recognizing worsening symptoms, checking blood pressure, and using a rapid cranial nerve screen. Discover when to stop a full examination and refer urgently to protect patients from potentially life-threatening conditions.

Headaches and the cervical spine

Headaches are incredibly common, but distinguishing tension-type headache, migraine, and cervicogenic headache is key to choosing the right approach. Learn the red flags, the role of neck pain, and why exercise, rehabilitation, or medication may help depending on the source.

Visualisation and mirror therapy

Discover how Graded Motor Imagery uses imagined movement, observation, and mirror therapy to reduce pain by retraining the brain’s sense of safety. Through a striking recovery story and practical techniques, learners will see when this approach helps and how to apply it step by step.

Surgery and radiology

Learn why neck imaging often reveals normal age-related changes rather than the true source of pain, and how careful communication can reduce fear, dependency, and unnecessary treatment. Discover when scans, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation truly help—and how to build patient confidence through a smarter biopsychosocial approach.