Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back. Two thirds of the population will suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives.
The most common causes of neck pain include:
- Stress
- Prolonged postures
- Minor injuries and falls
- Referred pain
- Over-use
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Pinched nerve