Neck pain is a frequent occurrence and may result from a variety of causes such as poor posture, muscle strain, or arthritis.

Rarely however, it can also be caused by more serious underlying medical problems like injury or nerve damage. 

If you experience neck pain accompanied by numbness or weakness in your arms, hands, shoulders or shooting pains in these areas, it is important to seek medical care immediately.

Symptoms Of Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common medical condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. 

These can include pain that is worsened with holding the head in one spot for long periods, tightness and spasms in the neck muscles, limited mobility in the head, and headaches. 

Many treatments are available to address neck pain and its associated symptoms.

Causes Of Neck Pain

Common causes of neck pain include muscle strain, worn joints, nerve compression, injuries and diseases. 

Such activities as spending too many hours hunched over a computer or smartphone, reading in bed and being involved in car accidents can all put strain on the neck muscles. 

Neck joints tend to wear with age and may cause bone spurs to form which impacts joint motion and causes associated pain. 

Compression of the nerves branching out from the spinal cord due to herniated disks or bone spurs may also lead a person to experience chronic neck pain.

In terms of medical conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer can be underlying contributors to these uncomfortable symptoms.

Prevention

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:

• Use good posture. When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders. When using cell phones, tablets and other small screens, keep your head up and hold the device straight out rather than bending your neck to look down at the device.

• Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around, and stretch your neck and shoulders.

• Adjust your desk, chair and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can increase the risk of developing neck pain.

• Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.

• Sleep in a healthy position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles.

• Stay active. If you don't move much, increase your activity level.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.

Contact a health care provider if neck pain:

• Is severe

• Persists for several days without relief

• Spreads down arms or legs

• Comes with headache, numbness, weakness or tingling