Neck pain or stiffness is usually a result of poor posture or an awkward sleeping position. However, it can sometimes indicate a serious injury or an underlying health condition.

Your neck is made up of bones, ligaments, and muscles, which support your neck and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury to your neck can cause pain or stiffness.

Lifestyle measures, such as improving your posture or sleeping position, can typically help reduce symptoms.

However, if your symptoms are severe, continue for more than a week, or are accompanied by other symptoms, you should speak with a healthcare professional immediately.

Neck pain symptoms can range in severity and duration. They may be mild and not interfere much with daily activities, or they may be severe.

Symptoms of neck pain can include:

  • Stiff neck. People with neck pain often describe feeling as though their neck is “stiff” or “stuck.” Neck pain can sometimes cause a decreased range of motion.
  • Sharp pain. Neck pain may feel like sharp or “stabbing” pain that is localized to one area.
  • Pain when moving. Neck pain is often exacerbated by moving, twisting, or extending your cervical spine, either from side to side or up and down.
  • Radiating pain or numbness. Your neck pain may radiate to your head, trunk, shoulders, and arms. If your neck pain involves the compression of a nerve, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in either of your arms or hands. Talk with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
  • Headache. Pain that starts in your neck may also produce a headache called a cervicogenic headache. Neck pain with a headache may also be a symptom of a migraine headache.
  • Pain when palpated. Neck pain may increase if your cervical spine is palpated (physically examined).

Neck pain or stiffness can happen for a variety of reasons.

Muscle tension and strain

This is usually from activities and behaviors such as:

  • poor posture
  • working at a desk for too long without changing position
  • sleeping with your neck in a bad position
  • jerking your neck during exercise

Injury

The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their normal range.

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack. It often presents with other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:

If your neck hurts and you have other symptoms of heart attack, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as:

  • stiff neck
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sensitivity to light
  • fever

Meningitis can be fatal and is a medical emergency

If you have the symptoms of meningitis, seek medical help immediately.

Other causes

Other causes of neck pain include the following:

If you have minor neck pain or stiffness, there are several simple options that can help provide relief:

  • Apply ice for the first few days. If the pain persists, try applying heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or by taking a hot shower.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting. When you resume usual activity, do so slowly as your symptoms ease.
  • Exercise your neck every day. Slowly stretch your head in side-to-side and up-and-down motions.
  • Practice good posture.
  • Change your position often. Don’t stand or sit in one position for too long.
  • Don’t use a neck brace or collar without a doctor’s approval. If you don’t use them properly, they can make your symptoms worse.

Treatment for neck pain depends on its cause. In addition to a thorough history and physical exam by a doctor, you may also need one or more of the following imaging studies and tests to help a doctor determine the cause of your neck pain and make a diagnosis:

Depending on the results, a doctor may refer you to a specialist. Treatment for neck pain may include:

Alternative therapies that may help include:

It’s important to ensure you’re seeing a licensed professional when using these methods.

If you are experiencing neck pain that isn’t going away, consider speaking with a doctor.

They can perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history to identify any underlying causes. Be prepared to tell them about the specifics of your symptoms and all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements you’ve been taking.

Even if it doesn’t seem related, you should let the doctor know about any recent injuries or accidents you’ve had, too.

If symptoms persist for more than a week, speak with a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have:

  • severe neck pain without apparent cause
  • a lump in your neck
  • fever
  • headache
  • swollen glands
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • trouble swallowing or breathing
  • weakness
  • numbness
  • tingling
  • pain that radiates down your arms or legs
  • inability to move your arms or hands
  • inability to touch your chin to your chest
  • bladder or bowel dysfunction

If you’ve been in an accident or fall and your neck hurts, seek medical care immediately.

Many people experience neck pain because of poor posture and muscle strain. In these cases, your neck pain should go away if you practice good posture and rest your neck muscles when they’re sore.

Make an appointment with a doctor if your neck pain isn’t improving with home treatments.