7 Common Causes of Neck Pain

Acute conditions such as muscle strains and whiplash can cause neck pain, as can chronic conditions such as cervical spondylosis (neck osteoarthritis) and myofascial pain syndrome. Neck pain can also be caused by pinched nerves, infections, fractures, and spinal cord problems.

Identifying the source of your neck pain is critical for initiating an appropriate and effective treatment plan, which will vary depending on the cause of your discomfort.

Here are seven common causes of your neck pain:

1. Neck Strain

When the muscles in the neck are overstretched or torn, a strain on the neck muscles occurs, which is known as neck (cervical) strain. This could be due to an injury (for example, a car accident) or to daily stresses such as poor posture and sleeping habits.

The pain of a neck strain is frequently described as sharp or knife-like. As time passes, the pain frequently becomes more aching or throbbing. Other symptoms of a neck strain include stiffness and muscle spasms, in addition to pain.

2. Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is a type of accident that can result in a neck strain (when muscles are overstretched or torn) or a sprain (when ligaments are overstretched or torn).

Whiplash occurs when an external force causes your neck to suddenly go into hyperextension (excessive neck and back arching), followed by hyperflexion (excessive forward bending).

While rear-end car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, contact sports injuries (e.g., football) and physical abuse (e.g., shaken baby syndrome) can also result in whiplash.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as osteoarthritis of the neck, refers to degenerative or "wear and tear" changes to your neck's small joints and cartilage.

Cervical spondylosis pain can range from mild to severe, improves with rest, and may be accompanied by headaches or popping sensations (crepitus) when turning your neck.

Bony growths (bone spurs) may form as the cartilage in your neck wears down. These occupy space and may eventually put pressure on nerves running down the spine.

Numbness, tingling, and electrical sensations in the arms and shoulders can result from compressed nerves.

Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition, especially in middle-aged and older people.

4. Myofascial Pain

Myofascial pain, which is caused by tight, tender areas of a muscle that are also sensitive to pressured touch, can develop as a result of a neck injury or chronically poor posture.

The pain is typically intense and aching. It frequently manifests as trigger points, which are hard nodules in the muscle beneath your fingers.

Trigger points are not only painful when pressed (or even simply touched in some cases), but they also refer to other areas, such as the shoulder, upper back, or back of the head.

5. Neck Fracture

A fracture of one of the seven bones in the neck (cervical vertebrae) is commonly caused by major trauma, such as a car accident, high-impact sports injury, or fall.

Bruising and swelling may be present in addition to severe neck pain that may spread to the shoulders and arms. The most concerning complication of a neck fracture is spinal cord damage, which can result in paralysis or death.

6. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is caused by calcification and hardening of the ligaments and tendons that run along your spine.

Many people with DISH have no symptoms, but those who do frequently complain of severe neck and upper back pain that worsens over time.

7. Cervical Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal structure presses or otherwise irritates a nerve root, which is a group of nerves that branch off the spinal cord and exit the spine through foramina on the sides.

Protruding or herniated discs, as well as degenerative changes in the discs caused by aging or injury, are the most common causes of cervical (neck) radiculopathy.

Aching or burning pain in the neck, upper arm, shoulder, or between the shoulder blades are symptoms of cervical radiculopathy.

The pain can sometimes be felt in the chest, breast, or face. Arms may experience pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and weakness.