Treat Yourself: Neck Pain

While sources of neck pain vary, there are causes that seem to be more prevalent than others including poor posture, repetitive activities, prolonged positions, and sudden trauma. Adults ages 30-50 years are most likely to be affected by neck pain and women are typically more susceptible than men. Neck pain symptoms include pain when looking over a shoulder, inability to rotate or bend the neck, or inability to remain in one position for a long period of time. Neck pain may be sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, throbbing or tingling. It can even lead to tension headaches. Neck pain also may refer to the jaw, upper back, shoulders, arms or hands.