Neck pain is usually related to poor posture, such as forward poking head, and awkward neck positions while working or sleeping. Poor posture leads to tight, tense neck muscles and stiff joints. Neck pain is also associated with poor ergonomics, such as working on a computer with a low screen or cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder. Associated symptoms are shoulder and arm pain, numbness, tingling and weakness into the arm and fingers.

Imagine your head the weight of a bowling ball. To hold your head forward of your body for long hours places extreme demands on the neck muscles and cumulative stress on the ligaments and joints of the neck. Over a period of time, the neck becomes sore and stiff, leading to recurring neck pain and degenerative changes termed cervical spondylosis.

A whiplash injury often occurs after a motor vehicle accident or any sudden jolt to the neck. When this happens, the soft tissues are stretched beyond their maximum limit, causing extensive inflammation, tears and scarring. Headaches, dizziness, chronic pain and stiffness can result in more severe cases. In these cases, the rehabilitation process may be slow and prolonged. Pain management techniques are useful.