There is a wide variety of possible causes of neck pain, but having an understanding of these causes could assist in preventing pain or, if necessary, guiding treatment. When dealing with neck pain, the culprit is most likely going to be muscle strain, worn joints, or nerve compression. This pain can be caused by a number of situations, and some of the most common are outlined here. If you can identify the source of your pain, it will be much easier to devise a plan for treatment.

Muscle soreness in the neck can be due to a strain, which occurs when a muscle is overused or overstretched; a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament; or spasms of the muscle. Most of the time, these types of muscle pain come from activities that entail repeated motions or movements that are held for extended periods of time. For example, if you are lying on the couch watching television for a long time and your head is held in the same awkward position for a while, this could put strain on your neck. Activities that include repeated movements don't necessarily have to involve repetition with the neck itself. For instance, sometimes work that uses the arms and upper body, like cleaning cobwebs from the ceiling or washing windows, can put a strain on your neck even if you don't realize it at the time. Minor or serious injuries can also cause neck pain. Rear-end car accidents commonly cause whiplash, which involves the head jerking back and forth forcefully, overstretching the neck. Injuries can also occur from playing sports, falling, or receiving a blow to the head. Muscle pain in the neck is usually just short term and can be treated at home, but if the pain is severe, you should seek the advice of your doctor; he or she may find it necessary to prescribe stronger medications than you might find over the counter. You will most likely find comfort from applying heat and/or ice to the affected area. Most doctors will advise you to take it easy at home until any inflammation subsides, but to try to stay active instead of becoming sedentary once your injury has begun to heal. You may also find pain relief from store-bought creams, gels, or pain patches.

The neck can also be subject to worn joints with age, just like other parts of the body. Some individuals might experience osteoarthritis in the neck as they get older. Treatments used for arthritis of the neck can be similar to those employed elsewhere within the body. Pain relievers like Aleve are often recommended because they can also reduce inflammation in the joints. Stiff joints can also be addressed with exercise or by relieving the stress on the joints by losing weight. However, surgery is sometimes an option for arthritis of the neck. If you suffer from extreme pain of the neck, it's vital that you discuss it with your doctor.

Neck pain can also result from compressed nerves around the spinal cord. This pressure can be caused by a number of different anatomical abnormalities, including a herniated disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Pressure on a nerve can cause shooting pain, numbness, or tingling. It is advised that you try treating this issue with conservative options such as medications, rest, ice packs, or physical therapy; however, if you and your doctor have exhausted all other options, it is possible that surgery might be an option. You should never come to this decision yourself, though, without the advice of your physician.

This is just a mere glimpse into the possible causes of neck pain. There are many other possible causes that can be explored. Most likely, it will be a pain that is only short term and can be treated at home, so be sure to first examine all possible conservative treatments.