Neck pain is also known as cervicalgia, and it is pain
localized around the neck region. Even though the pain is felt at the neck, it
can be caused by several conditions in other parts of the body, including
spinal problems. Neck pain can be caused by tightness of the muscles around the
neck and upper back. Some muscles, like the trapezium, extend from the back and
shoulder to the upper neck, and tension in its fibers can lead to neck pain. It
may also arise due to nerve related uses. In this case, the nerves involved
arise from the cervical part of the spinal cord and pass through the foramina
in the cervical vertebrae (the bones of the spine). When neck pain is caused by
these nerves, there is usually a pinched nerve, either due to the compartmental
syndrome, muscle tightness, spinal arthritis, or a series of other conditions.
The major symptom of neck pain is pain localized in the neck region. The pain
may also spread to the surrounding areas like the base of the skull and the
shoulders. The symptoms are usually worsened by activity like turning and
stretching the neck and are relieved by rest. Depending on the cause of neck
pain, it may also have accompanying symptoms like