08/11/2025
of Cervical Pain (Neck Pain)
1. Musculoskeletal Causes
• Muscle strain or spasm – from poor posture, prolonged phone/computer use, or sudden awkward movement.
• Cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes) – age-related wear and tear of cervical spine.
• Whiplash injury – sudden jerking movement of the head/neck (e.g., car accidents).
• Herniated cervical disc – slipped disc compressing spinal nerves.
2. Bone and Joint Disorders
• Osteoarthritis of cervical spine – causes stiffness and chronic pain.
• Cervical spinal stenosis – narrowing of spinal canal, compressing spinal cord/nerves.
• Fractures or trauma – from accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
3. Neurological Causes
• Cervical radiculopathy – nerve root compression causing pain radiating to shoulder/arm.
• Myelopathy – spinal cord compression leading to neck pain, weakness, or numbness.
4. Infections
• Meningitis – severe neck stiffness with fever, headache, photophobia.
• Osteomyelitis or discitis – infection of cervical bones or discs.
• Throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, retropharyngeal abscess) – may cause referred neck pain.
5. Inflammatory/Autoimmune Conditions
• Rheumatoid arthritis – can affect cervical spine joints.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – causes stiffness and pain in spine including neck.
6. Tumors and Serious Causes
• Spinal tumors (primary or metastatic) – may compress nerves or cord.
• Thyroid enlargement/cancer – can cause anterior neck discomfort.
• Lymph node enlargement (lymphoma, infection, metastasis) – leads to localized neck pain/swelling.
7. Other Causes
• Poor posture (tech neck, long phone use)
• Stress and tension headaches – muscle tightness in neck.
• Referred pain – from cardiac issues (e.g., angina, myocardial infarction) or upper chest pathology.
✅ Summary: Cervical pain can result from muscle strain, spinal problems, nerve compression, infections, inflammatory diseases, tumors, or referred pain.
👨⚕️Go to doctor if pain is severe, long lasting or with numbness/ weakness.
