The pain may be aching and constant in nature. It can also be described as cramping, stabbing or intermittent. The description of your pain is important because it can help your doctor find the cause.
If your nerves are involved in your neck pain, you may experience numbness, tingling, loss of sensation or weakness in your arms or legs.
Your neck contains bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Any of these components can hurt. Pain in the jaw, head or shoulders may also spread to the neck and cause pain. Conversely, problems in your neck can also make other parts of your body hurt, such as your head, upper back, shoulders or arms.
The commonest cause of neck pain is still muscle and ligament strain, especially from poor posture, or from an injury. Wear and tear from old age or arthritis can also cause neck pain.
Most neck pain secondary to muscle strain respond well to common pain medications such as paracetamol, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Your doctor may also recommend:
You may also be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for a surgical assessment if necessary.