Neck pain that lasts for several weeks is called ‘chronic neck pain’. The pain may be dull and present almost every day or it may flare up occasionally. Sometimes, neck pain is accompanied by shoulder pain and neck stiffness. Some people also have back pain in addition to neck pain. The reason for chronic neck pain can be stress, poor posture, injuries, strain of the neck muscles or joint problems. Mechanical neck pain is a common type of neck pain caused due to bad posture, minor injuries or sprains.

It heals with adequate rest and good posture. Degeneration of the spinal bones and joints also result in chronic neck pain. This is common among older people. Cervical radiculopathy is a nerve associated pain. It is caused due to pinching of the nerves arising from the spinal cord in the neck region. The pain is associated with numbness, weakness and tingling sensation in the arms. People with osteoarthritis may experience neck pain which is worse early in the morning and at the end of the day. Pain killers and anti inflammatory agents may help reduce neck pain. Good posture, a supporting pillow and exercises to strengthen neck muscles will also go a long way in easing chronic neck pain.