Causes of neck pain

Neck pain is very common. Most cases come from strain of muscles and ligaments and settle in days to weeks. Some causes are more serious.

Muscle and posture causes (most common)

• Poor posture: bending over a phone, laptop or desk for long hours, often called "tech neck"
• Muscle strain: from carrying heavy loads, sudden movements or sports
• Sleeping awkwardly or on a high or very flat pillow
• Stress and tension, which tighten the neck and shoulder muscles
• Whiplash: from a sudden jerk, such as in a road accident

Wear and tear

• Cervical spondylosis: age-related change in the neck bones and discs, common after 40
• Disc problems: a bulging or slipped disc that may press on a nerve
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis)
• Osteoarthritis of the neck joints

Medical conditions

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Infections such as meningitis, or an abscess in the neck
• Osteoporosis and fractures
• Rarely tumours

Referred pain

Heart attack can cause pain that spreads to the neck, jaw or left arm. Shoulder problems and jaw problems can also feel like neck pain.

What raises the risk

• Desk work and long screen time
• Age over 40
• Previous neck injury
• Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder
• Smoking and being overweight

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes stiff neck as Manyastambha or Greeva Graha, linked to aggravated Vata. This is a traditional framework and does not replace a medical diagnosis.

Remember

Most neck pain is mechanical and improves with time. See a doctor for red flags or pain that persists.