Pinched nerve in the neck
Nerve pain, pins and needles or weakness running from the neck into the arm.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
A pinched nerve in the neck, or cervical radiculopathy, happens when a nerve root is irritated where it leaves the spine, often by a disc or joint change. This can refer pain, tingling or weakness down into the shoulder, arm or hand.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with pinched nerve in the neck. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
Most pinched nerves in the neck settle without surgery. We assess to confirm the pattern, ease the load on the nerve with hands on therapy and specific positions, and progress nerve and strength exercises. We coordinate with your GP and arrange imaging if it is warranted.
- Careful neck and nerve assessment
- Treatment to offload the nerve
- Nerve glide and strength exercises
- GP coordination if needed
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Chronic pain physiotherapy
A broader, paced approach for pain that has stayed past the normal healing time.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Will I need surgery?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about pinched nerve in the neck, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.