Version July 2025
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What can cause neck pain? —
Neck pain happens when there is a problem with or injury to any of the parts of the neck (figure 1), such as the:
●Bones – The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones make up the top part of the spine and are called the "cervical vertebrae." Neck pain can happen when the bones get worn down or develop abnormal growths (called "spurs").
●Ligaments – These are strong tissues that connect bones to other bones. Ligament damage can happen when the neck moves back and forth suddenly (called "whiplash"), such as in a car accident. Whiplash can damage other parts of the neck, too.
●Discs – These are cushions that sit between the bones. When the discs change shape or move out of position, people can have symptoms.
●Muscles – Muscles hold the head up and make the neck move. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or tension, such as from poor posture or stress.
●Nerves – A large bundle of nerves (called "the spinal cord") travels down the middle of the spine. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. People can have symptoms if their nerves are irritated or pushed on by nearby bones or discs.
What other symptoms can happen with neck pain? —
People can have different symptoms, including:
●Pain, stiffness, or tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or arms
●Headaches
●Neck weakness
●Being unable to move or turn the neck
●Pain when turning or tilting the head
●Numbness or strange feelings (such as pins and needles) in the shoulders or arms
●Trouble walking or moving the legs
●Having no control over the bladder or bowels
Will I need tests? —
Probably not. Your doctor or nurse will learn about your symptoms and do an exam. They will feel your bones and muscles, and check how your head and neck move. They might also check the strength and reflexes in your arms.
Some people with neck pain need tests. Depending on your symptoms and how long they have lasted, tests can include:
●X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or other imaging tests – These create pictures of the inside of the body.
●Muscle or nerve tests to see if they are working normally
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
Neck pain usually gets better on its own. Talk to your doctor or nurse about any activities you should avoid while you wait to feel better.
To help with your symptoms, you can:
●Take a pain-relieving medicine – Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or an "NSAID." NSAIDs include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Put ice on the area to help with pain – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area a few times a day, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and the skin.
●Put heat on the area to help with pain and stiffness – Take a hot shower or bath. You can also put a hot towel or heating pad (on the "low" setting) on the area. Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time. Be careful not to burn your skin.
●Do neck exercises and stretches – Your doctor or nurse will tell you which stretches and exercises you should do, and how often to do them.
●Reduce stress – Stress can make pain worse and prevent symptoms from getting better. Try to find healthy ways to manage your stress. Some people find that it helps to try something called "mindfulness-based stress reduction." This involves going to a group program to practice relaxation and meditation.
●Practice good posture – Try to:
•Avoid sitting for too many hours at a time. When you do sit, sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. If you work at a desk, set it up so your arms are at a right angle, your feet are flat on the floor, and your lower back is supported. Take breaks often to adjust your position and stretch.
•Avoid holding or positioning screens so you are looking down. When using screens, position them 20 to 30 inches away from you at eye level.
•Keep your head and neck in line with your body when you sleep. You might have less pain if you sleep on your back with pillows under your thighs. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side.
Some people find that massage or acupuncture help.
What other treatments might I get? —
Your doctor or nurse can suggest other treatments if your neck pain does not improve after home treatment. These might include:
●Physical therapy (working with an exercise expert)
●Other medicines
●An injection of a numbing medicine into your neck
●Manual manipulation – This is when a chiropractor, physical therapist, or other professional moves or "adjusts" the joints of your neck.
What treatments are not helpful? —
Most doctors do not recommend that people wear neck collars, especially for long periods of time. If a neck collar eases your pain, wear one for less than 3 hours at a time. Wearing one for too long can make your neck muscles get too weak.
Other treatments that are not helpful include surgery or a treatment that pulls on the head to lengthen the neck (called "cervical traction").
How can I help prevent neck pain? —
You should:
●Use good posture – Hold your head up, and keep your shoulders down.
●Avoid sitting in the same position for too long.
●Avoid doing work above your head for too long.
●Avoid looking down at your phone or papers. Hold them at eye level.
●Avoid putting weight or pressure on your upper back.
●Keep your neck in line with the rest of your body when you sleep.
●Make sure that your computer is at eye level, if you work at a desk. Use a supportive chair.
●Use a headset or other hands-free option if possible, if you use the telephone often. Do not hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
●Your neck becomes stiff and hard to move and you are feeling sick or develop a fever or chills.
●You have new numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
Call your doctor or nurse if:
●Your symptoms are getting worse and are so severe that you cannot do normal activities (such as dress or eat).
●You have pain after a head or neck injury.
●You lose control of your bladder or bowels.
●Your pain does not get better after 1 week of home treatment.
Patient education: Neck fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Whiplash (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical spinal stenosis (The Basics)
