Neck pain, or cervicalgia, can last from days to years, depending on the cause
The neck (cervical spine) is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles directed by the brain and the spinal cord.
Most episodes of acute neck pain are due to a muscle sprain/strain or other soft tissue sprain (ligaments, tendons).
Causes
Acute:
- Road traffic accident
- Sleeping in the wrong position
- Carrying heavy items
- Sports injury
- Sudden movement
Chronic:
- Cervical disc bulge
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Cervical spinal stenosis
Symptoms
Neck pain can feel like any of the following:
- Stiff neck with reduced head movement
- Sharp pain in one area
- General tenderness or soreness in an area
- Pain which radiates down into the shoulders, arms, or fingers; or radiates up into the head
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness which radiates into the shoulder, arms, or fingers
