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Neck pain is a common condition frequently caused by muscle spasms or strains, poor spinal alignment, or a neck injury. Neck pain can range from mild tenderness and a dull ache to a stiff neck and severe pain.
In some cases, you might only have stiffness or a sore neck if you move a certain way or perform certain activities. Neck pain may come and go, or it may be constant and nearly disabling.
At Dignity Health, our orthopedic doctors provide neck pain relief and complete care for spinal conditions. If you need an orthopedic specialist for neck pain, Find a Doctor nearby.
Other than neck pain itself, you may notice some additional symptoms if the other muscles of your neck and shoulder are compensating for a pulled muscle.
These include:
Most cases of neck pain resolve on their own in a few days, but you should speak with an orthopedic doctor at Dignity Health if you have severe pain, chronic discomfort, or neck pain that limits your daily activities.
Neck pain is most often the result of straining a muscle in your neck. For example, many people experience mild strains from “sleeping funny,” carrying a heavy bag, or moving in a way that unexpectedly causes a muscle spasm.
Less commonly, muscle spasms in the neck can affect the bones, joints, and nerves in your spine, as well as the tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in your neck and shoulders.
Neck pain has several different causes, which can be addressed in slightly different ways. The most common cause of neck pain is from momentary muscle strains and spasms. You can reduce the chances of these occurring or recurring by:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.