Neck Pain

Neck pain is extremely common, and in the large majority of cases stems from everyday strain rather than a serious underlying condition.

Causes of Neck Pain

• Poor posture — especially prolonged phone or computer use with the head tilted forward ("tech neck")
• Muscle strain — from sleeping in an awkward position, sudden movement, or overuse
• Age-related wear — degenerative changes in the neck's discs and joints, which can also press on nearby nerves and cause pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
• Injury — including whiplash from a sudden jolt, such as in a car accident
• Less commonly, neck pain can result from an infection or an inflammatory condition affecting the joints

Self-Care That Helps

Gentle stretching and movement, applying heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and adjusting workstation ergonomics or sleep position resolve most cases within one to two weeks. Complete immobilization is generally not recommended, as it can prolong stiffness.

How It's Diagnosed

Most neck pain is diagnosed from a medical history and physical exam alone — checking range of motion, tenderness, and any signs of nerve involvement such as numbness or weakness. Imaging such as an X-ray or MRI is generally reserved for pain following an injury, pain that doesn't improve after several weeks, or signs suggesting a pinched nerve.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if neck pain follows an injury, comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, doesn't improve after a couple of weeks, or is accompanied by fever, headache, or difficulty swallowing.