• Pain

Neck Pain: 9 Common Causes and Treatments

Published: May 29, 2025
Updated: May 29, 2025
4 mins

Neck pain is incredibly common, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. It can range from mild stiffness or soreness that’s more of an annoyance to severe, debilitating discomfort that interferes with daily activities. For some, neck pain is a fleeting issue that resolves within a few days, while for others, it can become a persistent or recurring problem. 

Finding the right neck pain relief often starts with understanding what’s causing the discomfort in the first place. While many cases are related to minor muscle strain or poor posture and improve with simple home care, other causes may require medical attention to ensure proper treatment and long-term recovery. 

Understanding Neck Pain: What it is and Why it Happens

Neck pain refers to any discomfort or soreness in the area between the base of the skull and the shoulders. It’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, especially among adults who spend long hours sitting at a desk, looking down at devices, or sleeping in awkward positions. Studies show that up to 70% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. 

The neck is a highly complex and flexible structure. It’s made up of seven vertebrae (the cervical spine), dozens of muscles and ligaments, discs that absorb shock, and a network of nerves that extend into the shoulders, arms, and upper back. Because of this complexity, even minor strain or misalignment can lead to significant discomfort and limited mobility. 

Neck pain doesn’t always stay confined to one area. It typically occurs alongside other symptoms, such as headaches, shoulder tension, or tingling in the arms. In many cases, neck pain is closely linked to headaches, particularly when muscle tension or irritated nerves are involved. Tension headaches, for example, often stem from tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, while nerve compression in the cervical spine can trigger pain that radiates into the head.

Understanding these connections is key to finding effective relief.

Common Types of Neck Pain

1. Neck muscle pain

This is one of the most frequent forms of neck pain, typically caused by muscle strain from overuse, poor posture, or holding the neck in one position for too long – like staring down at a phone or hunching over a laptop. This type of neck muscle pain can feel achy, tight, or tender, and may worsen with movement. 

Treatment: Relieving neck muscle pain often starts with addressing the habits that caused it. Start by giving your neck a break – avoid prolonged positions, especially looking down at devices or hunching forward. Applying heat can help loosen tight muscles, while gentle neck stretches can restore mobility and reduce tension. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also ease discomfort. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially if you work at a desk, and consider adjusting your workstation for better ergonomics. 

2. Neck and shoulder pain

The neck and shoulder areas are closely connected by overlapping muscle groups, which means discomfort in one often leads to pain in the other. Neck and shoulder pain is common in people who carry tension in their upper back or spend long hours in static positions, like desk work. It may also involve trigger points or referred pain from irritated nerves.

Treatment: For neck and shoulder pain, the goal is to reduce tension and restore balance in the surrounding muscles. Start with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises that target both the neck and upper back. Applying heat can relax tight muscles, while cold packs may reduce inflammation if there’s any swelling. Adjust your daily habits by taking frequent breaks from sitting, using ergonomic supports, and avoiding heavy bags that strain one side of your body. If nerve irritation is suspected, a healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy, posture correction, or further imaging to rule out underlying spinal issues.

3. Neck pain left side vs. right side

When neck pain occurs on one side – either the right or left side – it can signal specific causes. Neck pain on the left side might stem from muscle strain, poor sleeping posture, or even issues like an inflamed lymph node. Neck pain on the right side can result from similar triggers, or from repetitive one-sided activities like carrying a bag on one shoulder. In either case, side-specific pain often points to localized irritation or imbalance.

Treatment: Relieving one-sided neck pain begins with identifying and correcting the underlying cause. If the pain is due to muscle strain or poor posture, rest, heat therapy, and gentle stretches can ease tightness. Be sure to pay attention to daily habits – switch sides when carrying bags, adjust how you sleep, and use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned. If the pain is linked to an inflamed lymph node or swelling, it may improve as the underlying illness resolves. In the meantime, try using a warm compress and staying hydrated for some quick relief. Persistent or worsening pain on one side – especially if accompanied by numbness, fever, or swelling – may be a sign of a more complicated issue. Be sure to seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions like nerve compression or infection. 

4. Neck pain and headache

Tension in the upper neck muscles can lead to headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate forward – a condition often referred to as a cervicogenic headache. In some cases, nerve irritation or cervical spine issues may also contribute. If you're dealing with neck pain and headache at the same time, tight muscles, poor posture, or pinched nerves could all be involved.

Treatment: Start by relieving muscle tension in the neck and shoulders through heat therapy, light stretching, or massage. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also help reduce stress-related muscle tightness. Adjust your posture throughout the day – especially when sitting at a computer – and make sure your monitor is at eye level. If the headaches are frequent or particularly severe, physical therapy may help improve neck mechanics and reduce strain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can offer temporary relief, but recurrent symptoms should be evaluated to rule out more complex neurological or spinal issues.

5. Neck pain from sleeping

Waking up with a stiff or sore neck? Neck pain from sleeping is often tied to sleeping in an awkward position or using an unsupportive pillow. When your neck isn’t properly aligned during the night, muscles and joints can become strained. Choosing the right pillow for neck pain – one that supports the natural curve of your neck – can make a big difference in how you feel each morning.

Treatment: The first step is to optimize your sleep setup. Choose a pillow for neck pain that supports the natural curve of your neck – memory foam or cervical pillows are often recommended. Sleeping on your back or side, rather than your stomach, helps maintain better alignment. If your mattress is too soft or too firm, it may also be contributing to the problem. Gentle stretches in the morning can ease stiffness, and applying a warm compress may loosen tight muscles. If you frequently wake up in pain despite making adjustments, it may be time to reevaluate your pillow or consult a healthcare provider. 

Less Common but Important Causes

6. Injuries and trauma

Whiplash from car accidents or impact-related sports injuries can lead to lingering neck pain. These injuries often involve overstretching of muscles and ligaments, sometimes paired with joint or disc damage. Even if symptoms don’t show up right away, neck stiffness or reduced range of motion may appear within hours or days.

Treatment: If you've experienced neck trauma, it's important to rest and avoid any movement that worsens the pain. Ice can be used in the first 24–48 hours to reduce inflammation, followed by heat to ease muscle tension. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with both pain and swelling. However, any neck injury – especially one involving an accident – should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out fractures or disc damage. In many cases, physical therapy is recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and safe movement patterns. Depending on severity, your provider may also recommend a short period of bracing or further imaging.

7. Degenerative conditions

As we age, wear and tear on the cervical spine can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. These issues may cause chronic neck pain due to inflammation, reduced disc height, or bone spurs that irritate surrounding nerves. 

Treatment: While degenerative conditions can’t be reversed, their symptoms can be managed effectively. Treatment often starts with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to improve neck strength and mobility. Low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps maintain joint health without aggravating the spine. Heat therapy can reduce stiffness, while posture correction and ergonomic adjustments may ease daily strain. In more advanced cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or imaging-guided interventions. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if conservative treatments fail and nerve compression becomes severe.

8. Pinched nerves

A herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) can put pressure on nerves, leading to sharp or radiating pain, numbness, or tingling. These symptoms may extend into the shoulders, arms, or hands – depending on which nerve is affected.

Treatment: Managing a pinched nerve starts with reducing inflammation and relieving pressure on the affected nerve. Your provider may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or short-term rest to prevent further irritation. Targeted exercises can help improve posture and build support around the spine, while avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms is key to healing. In some cases, prescription medications like oral steroids or muscle relaxants may be used to ease pain and swelling. If symptoms persist or worsen, imaging studies like an MRI may be needed, and more advanced treatments – such as steroid injections or surgical consultation – might be considered.

9. Infections and other medical causes

Sometimes, neck pain isn’t caused by a structural issue but by an infection or inflammatory process. For instance, painful lymph nodes in the neck often signal a viral or bacterial infection, especially when accompanied by fever or fatigue. Other rare but serious conditions – like meningitis or tumors – can also cause neck pain and should always be evaluated promptly if symptoms are severe or unusual. 

Treatment: When neck pain is linked to infection or inflammation, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Painful lymph nodes in the neck typically improve as the infection resolves, but rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort in the meantime. If a bacterial infection is suspected, your provider may prescribe antibiotics. More serious conditions like meningitis or tumors require immediate medical attention – don’t ignore severe, persistent pain, fever, neurological symptoms, or unusual swelling. Prompt evaluation ensures you get the right diagnosis and care.

How to Cure Neck Pain Fast: What Works and What Doesn’t

While it’s natural to want quick relief, not all neck pain disappears overnight. Mild cases – especially those caused by muscle strain or poor sleep – typically respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, gentle stretches, and heat or ice therapy. In more stubborn cases, a doctor might recommend muscle relaxants or prescription medications to ease severe tension or nerve-related pain.

It’s important to separate quick fixes from long-term solutions. Temporary relief is helpful, but lasting neck pain relief depends on identifying and treating the root cause – whether that’s posture, stress, poor sleep setup, or a medical issue. What works fast may not work forever, and real recovery often takes a combination of targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

How Can LifeMD Help?

If you’re dealing with neck pain – whether it’s sudden discomfort or a concern that’s been bothering you for a while – LifeMD is here to help. 

With LifeMD+, you’ll get fast, affordable virtual care for your neck pain, same-day prescriptions if needed, and expert treatment guidance — all for just $19/month.

Get tailored guidance for managing neck and shoulder pain, including options for prescription medication when appropriate. Connect with a provider today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now