Common Causes

• Muscle Strain:  New onset neck pain is often from strained neck muscles caused by sleeping in an awkward position; cradling the telephone between neck and shoulder for an extended conversation; painting a ceiling; reading in bed; reaching for something that was difficult to get; sitting in the front row of a movie theater; looking at something that requires extreme bending or turning of neck; prolonged typing; and so on.
• Muscle Tension/Spasm: Muscle tension neck pain is one of the most common causes of new onset neck pain. It is seen in every age group and is related to stressful situations in the workplace and at home. The pain may radiate (shoot, spread) into the upper back and into the scalp. Frequently, individuals with this type of muscle tension neck pain will report that the discomfort is worse toward the end of the day. Therapy for this type of pain should be directed at stress reduction, good posture, and gentle neck exercises.