Irritation, inflammation of muscles, ligaments and tendons, infection, irritation of the cervical nerve roots, encroachment of the vertebral canal’s vascular supply, or compression of the spinal cord within the spinal canal can all cause neck pain.

Arthritis can also contribute to neck pain due to compromised normal disc height, which then affects the other surrounding support structures like muscles and ligaments. In addition, the curvature of the neck can become altered, becoming too straight or even reversing its curve, often caused by whiplash injury.

It is crucial for those who suffer from chronic neck pain to get an accurate diagnosis, in order to address the root issues behind the problem. Always remember, the sooner you seek treatment for a neck injury the better the potential outcome.