Neck pain can arise from injury or degeneration in the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves in the neck. Pain in the face, jaw or shoulders may also radiate to the neck and mimic neck pain. Pain in the neck may also spread to the head, face, upper back, shoulders and arms.

Muscle sprain or strain is the commonest cause of neck pain. This can result from strenuous activity, overuse, poor sitting posture at work or poor sleeping posture. It can also occur after an injury, e.g. whiplash injury due to an accident. Age-related degeneration or wear and tear causing arthritis may also cause neck pain.

Numbness, tingling, loss of sensation or weakness in the arms or legs can also occur if the nerves in the neck are affected.

Seek treatment early if the pain is severe and constant as it is important to exclude serious conditions such as tumours, infections or fractures. Injury to the spinal cord can manifest as loss of motor function in the arms or legs, urinary retention or incontinence or changes in bowel function. Imaging studies such as X-rays or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may show abnormalities in the spinal cord, nerve roots or bones.

Neck pain secondary to muscle strain responds well to common pain medications such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. Other treatments may include physiotherapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, epidural steroid injections, facet joint blocks or radiofrequency ablation of nerves, and cervical nucleoplasty.