What Causes Neck Pain—And How Can You Relieve It?

Neck pain, sometimes called cervicalgia, is among the most common musculoskeletal conditions. About one in three people experience it on a yearly basis. Millions of people worldwide experience neck discomfort, including in the muscles, joints, bones, nerves, and discs (cushions between spinal vertebrae). Poor posture, muscle strain or overuse, injury, emotional stress, and underlying health conditions are common causes of neck pain.

Whether it’s a nagging ache, stiffness, or sharp, shooting sensation, neck pain can disrupt your daily activities and impact your overall quality of life. Fortunately, many treatment options—including at-home remedies and medical interventions—can help manage neck pain. Understanding what’s causing your neck pain is the key to finding relief for your discomfort. 

Types of Neck Pain

Neck pain is often characterized by how long symptoms last.

• Acute pain: Lasts less than six weeks
• Subacute pain: Lasts six to 12 weeks
• Chronic pain: Lasts longer than three months

Pain can last from a few days to years, depending on the underlying cause. For example, neck strain symptoms tend to last about 4-6 weeks.

Neck pain is also characterized by where you feel symptoms:

• Axial pain: Pain is mostly felt in the cervical spine (neck), but can spread to your shoulders.
• Radicular pain: Pain radiates, or shoots, along nerves. You might feel it on the back of your head or down an arm. Radicular pain can cause tingling and muscle weakness.

Symptoms

Neck pain symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the area and specific structure (e.g., muscles, discs) affected. Common symptoms of neck pain include:

• Dull, persistent aching that can range from mild to severe and may be in one specific area or spread across a larger area of the neck
• Stiffness, leading to reduced mobility or difficulty turning your head
• Sharp, shooting pain that may radiate from the neck to the shoulders, arms, or head 
• Burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by tingling or numbness 
• Tenderness, leading to pain when pressure is applied to the neck 
• Headaches
  

Causes of Neck Pain

The neck is vulnerable to pain and injury. It has a complex structure and provides constant support to your head’s weight. Many factors can affect the neck’s muscles, nerves, ligaments, bones, and discs.

• Poor posture: Sitting, standing, or sleeping with incorrect spinal alignment can strain and weaken neck muscles. Prolonged periods of sitting (often due to long hours hunched over a desk or electronic devices) or carrying a backpack or purse improperly can also strain the neck.
• Muscle sprain/injury: Repetitive motions, sudden neck movements, accidents (e.g., whiplash), falls, or sports-related injuries can damage neck structures and cause pain.
• Stress and tension: Emotional stress can cause neck muscles to tighten, leading to muscle spasms and discomfort.
• Spinal abnormalities: Structural issues in the spine, such as scoliosis (a sideways curve of the spine forming an S- or C-shape) or kyphosis (a curve in the vertebrae of the upper back) can contribute to neck pain.
• Narrowing of the spinal canal: Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and can lead to neck pain and other symptoms like numbness or arm weakness. This can be caused by conditions like cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervical spine) or a herniated, or "slipped" disc (when the soft, jelly-like cushioning between vertebrae pushes outward due to weakened discs).
  

Common age-related conditions that can cause neck pain include:

• Cervical spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear of discs and joints can cause neck pain and stiffness, affecting about 80% of people over the age of 60.
• Degenerative disc disease: Intervertebral discs in the neck can wear down over time, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility as you get older. 
• Osteoarthritis: Age-related breakdown of joint cartilage in the neck can cause inflammation, pain, and limited neck movement.
  

Though rare, neck pain can be a sign of a serious condition like cancer. For example, it can occur from tumors in the neck or nearby structures.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing neck pain, including:

• Age: Aging can cause “wear and tear” on the neck over time, increasing the likelihood of pain. 
• Physical activity: Engaging in activities that strain the neck, such as heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged computer use, can increase the risk of experiencing muscle strain and neck pain.
• Sex: People assigned female at birth are more likely to experience neck pain.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity and exercise can weaken the neck muscles and lead to stiffness and discomfort.
• Chronic emotional stress: Anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and loneliness are linked to increased rates of neck pain. 
• Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the vertebral discs in the neck, increasing the risk of chronic neck pain.

Certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions are associated with neck pain. Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs by mistake. Conditions that can cause neck pain include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints when the immune system attacks healthy tissue
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that causes symptoms like widespread pain and fatigue
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease (also known as lupus) that can attack the skin, joints, organs, nervous system, blood cells, kidneys, or some combination of body systems
  

When to See a Healthcare Provider

There are many possible causes of neck pain, but some are potentially more serious than others. See a healthcare provider if you experience neck pain that:

• Lasts for a week or longer
• Occurs after an accident, fall, or injury 
• Radiates down to your arms, hands, or legs
• Is accompanied by headaches 
• Worsens over time
  

Also see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have neck pain along with the following symptoms:

• Weakness or loss of coordination (e.g., difficulty walking or staying balanced) 
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Loss of control over bowel or bladder function 
• Fever 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing 
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing, holding small items, or zipping a jacket

When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Experience symptoms of a heart attack, including sweating or shortness of breath
• Have a fever, headache, and severe neck stiffness that prevents you from touching your chin to your chest, as this could indicate meningitis (a condition that causes inflammation of the meninges, which are layers of protective tissue that surround your brain and spinal cord)

Diagnosis

When you visit a healthcare provider about neck pain, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical and neurological examination.

Physical Exam

During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will ask questions about the nature and location of your neck pain, including when it started, how long it’s lasted, and any factors that worsen or relieve the pain. Your provider may touch your neck to look for areas of tenderness or swelling and ask you to move your neck from side to side and up and down to check the range of motion and muscle strength in your neck.

Neurological Exam

A neurological examination may take place at your initial appointment. This includes testing your reflexes, asking you to perform tasks (e.g., write with a pen and paper), and a Spurling test—pressing on your head to look for muscle weakness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your arms and hands. 

Diagnostic Testing

Your healthcare provider may order diagnostic tests if the specific cause of your neck pain isn't clear. These tests may include:

• Imaging tests: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide a detailed view of the neck and surrounding structures to identify herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative (age-related) changes.
• Blood tests: A blood sample sent to the laboratory can help check for an infection or inflammatory or autoimmune conditions contributing to neck pain. 
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS): These tests evaluate nerve function and detect any nerve-related issues. You may need these tests if your neck pain radiates down to your arms, shoulders, or hands.

It can be difficult to determine the cause of neck pain because there are so many closely related possible causes. In addition, imaging tests might not correlate with your symptoms, For example, you might have severe neck pain even though imaging tests come back normal, or you might have no pain even though imaging tests show abnormalities.

Neck Pain Treatment 

Medical treatments for neck pain vary depending on the underlying cause, the severity of your pain, and whether you have additional symptoms like numbness or tingling. Common treatment options for neck pain include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the neck. Muscle relaxants can help ease muscle spasms.
• Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections administered directly into the affected area can provide targeted relief for severe neck pain. 
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen your neck muscles, improve flexibility, and help you maintain good posture to relieve pain and prevent future episodes of neck pain.
• Manual therapy: Techniques like chiropractic adjustments or massage may help realign the spine and alleviate neck pain.
• Soft collar: A soft cervical collar used short-term can provide support and limit neck motion.
• Surgery: If other treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be considered for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Your healthcare provider might also advise you to avoid intense exercise for a given period of time to avoid worsening symptoms or injuries.

Home Remedies

Simple self-care practices and home remedies may help relieve mild to moderate neck pain and promote healing.

• Resting: Prioritize rest when the pain feels particularly intense. Rest helps your neck muscles relax and heal.
• Ice or heat packs: Applying ice packs in the initial 48 hours after the onset of pain can help reduce inflammation. Using heat packs or a heating pad afterward can soothe tense muscles.
• Gentle stretching: Neck stretches can help improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension. Avoid sudden or forceful movements, and stop if it hurts too much or worsens the pain. 
• Over-the-counter pain (OTC) relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or NSAIDs like Advil (ibuprofen) can help manage mild neck pain. 
• Massage: Gentle self-massage or using a foam roller on your neck and upper back can help ease muscle knots and discomfort.
• Topical analgesics: Over-the-counter creams or ointments containing menthol or capsaicin may provide temporary relief when applied to the neck.

Prevention

Practicing proper body mechanics, such as good posture and proper lifting techniques, and certain lifestyle habits can help protect the structures in your neck and prevent future episodes of neck pain.

• Proper posture: Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed and aligned when sitting, standing, and walking. Limit the time spent looking down at electronic devices or books to avoid "tech neck,” a common cause of neck pain. Incorporate exercises that help improve posture into your routine.
• Ergonomic workspace: Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically friendly. Adjust your chair, monitor, and keyboard to promote a neutral neck position while working. If your work involves prolonged sitting or using electronic devices, take regular breaks to stretch and change positions.
• Proper lifting: Bend your knees and use your leg and glute muscles when lifting heavy objects, instead of straining your neck and back.
• Sleeping position: Choose a supportive pillow and a comfortable mattress that keeps your neck aligned with your spine during sleep.
• Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to strengthen neck and upper back muscles, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of neck pain.
• Neck stretches: Incorporate gentle neck stretches into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and alleviate muscle tension.
• Stress management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to prevent stress-related neck tension.
• Avoiding smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can reduce blood flow to the neck, slow healing, and increase the risk of chronic pain. 
  

A Quick Review

Neck pain can stem from a variety of factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, age-related changes, stress, and underlying health conditions. Pain might resolve within a few days or weeks, but it could persist for months or even years without treatment.

Home remedies like rest, ice or heat therapy, and gentle stretching may help relieve mild neck pain. Moderate to severe pain may require medical treatment, such as medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery if other treatments are ineffective. Maintaining good posture, stretching daily, and using stress management techniques can help reduce neck pain and prevent future recurrences.

See a healthcare provider if you have neck pain that persists for a week or longer, occurs after an accident, such as a fall or sports injury, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or weakness.