Neck Pain (A General Guide)

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Spine Surgeon, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Last reviewed June 2026.

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain is extremely common and has many possible causes, ranging from simple muscle strain to more specific structural conditions. This page is a starting point to help you understand the possibilities — for a specific diagnosis, see the linked pages below.

Common Causes

Muscle Strain or Tension

By far the most common cause — often related to posture, stress, sleeping position, or overuse. Usually resolves within days to a couple of weeks with simple measures.

Whiplash

A sudden jerking injury to the neck, typically from a car accident or sports impact. See Whiplash.

Cervical Spondylosis

General age-related wear and tear of the neck. See Cervical Spondylosis.

Cervical Disc Herniation

A disc in the neck pushes outward, often causing arm pain alongside neck pain. See Cervical Disc Herniation.

Cervical Radiculopathy

A "pinched nerve" in the neck, causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the arm. See Cervical Radiculopathy.

Cervical Myelopathy

Compression of the spinal cord itself, causing balance and hand coordination problems — important not to miss. See Cervical Myelopathy.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. See Cervical Spinal Stenosis.

When Is Neck Pain Just Muscular?

Most neck pain — especially when it comes on after poor posture, sleeping awkwardly, or stress, and stays localized to the neck and shoulders without arm symptoms — is simple muscular strain that improves with time, gentle movement, and basic pain relief.

When Does Neck Pain Need Specialist Evaluation?

• Pain radiating into the arm, with numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Balance problems, hand clumsiness, or difficulty walking
• Pain following a significant injury
• Pain that doesn't improve after several weeks of simple care
• Pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss

What You Can Do for Simple Neck Pain

• Stay gently active rather than immobilizing the neck
• Use heat for stiffness, or ice in the first day or two after an injury
• Maintain good posture, especially with desk and screen use
• Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if needed
• Avoid prolonged use of a neck collar

When Should You Seek Medical Attention Urgently?

Seek urgent care for new arm or leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, neck stiffness with fever, or pain following a significant injury.

About Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary

This page was written by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, trained in complex spine surgery at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess) and the Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis. Learn more about Dr. Chaudhary →

This information is for general education and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.