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Neck Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Neck Injuries and Disorders

Neck pain is a common condition often caused by muscle strain, tension, or injury to the structures of the neck.

Any part of your neck - muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves - can cause neck problems. Neck pain is very common. Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

Muscle strain or tension often causes neck pain. The problem is usually overuse, such as from sitting at a computer for too long. Sometimes you can strain your neck muscles from sleeping in an awkward position or overdoing it during exercise. Falls or accidents, including car accidents, are another common cause of neck pain. Whiplash, a soft tissue injury to the neck, is also called neck sprain or strain.

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include applying ice, taking pain relievers, getting physical therapy or wearing a cervical collar. You rarely need surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Severe neck pain that worsens with movement, numbness or tingling in the arms or hands, loss of sensation, weakness, or difficulty walking suggests a more serious injury such as a cervical spine fracture or nerve impingement. Simple muscle strain typically causes localized pain that improves with rest and gentle movement.
Whiplash pain often improves within 4 to 6 weeks with conservative care, but persistent pain beyond 3 months warrants evaluation by a specialist (orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, or physical therapist) to rule out underlying structural injury.
Cervical collars are useful for short‑term immobilization after acute injury, but prolonged use can weaken neck muscles, cause skin irritation, and lead to stiffness. They should be worn only as directed by a healthcare professional and typically for no longer than a few days to a week.
Gentle range‑of‑motion exercises such as slow neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, held for 5–10 seconds and repeated 10 times, can improve mobility. Isometric neck strengthening (pressing the forehead, chin, and back of the head against your hands without moving the neck) also helps. Always perform these under guidance and stop if pain increases.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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