Neck pain is a common condition that affects numerous individuals throughout the world and can produce mild to severe pain affecting an individual’s quality of life. The most common cause of neck discomfort or stiffness is poor posture, improper sleeping, or overuse.

Most common symptoms of neck pain may include:

• Neck stiffness.
• Limited range of motion.
• Sharp or dull ache in the neck.
• Muscle spasms or tension in the neck and upper back

• Muscle strain – Overuse or poor posture can cause muscle strain in the neck, sometimes referred to as a stiff neck.
• Aging – Neck pain and stiffness can occur due to the wear and tear of the discs in the neck as people age.
• Injuries – like neck fractures, sprains, and strains- can result in short-term or long-term neck pain.
• Whiplash – a quick, violent movement of the neck backward and forward during accidents can result in neck pain.
• Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal narrowing, can stress nerves and the spinal cord, causing neck pain.

While not all cases of neck pain may be avoided, the following techniques may assist people in lessening their risk:

• Maintain Correct Posture – Sit or stand with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and a head that aligns with the spine.
• Ergonomic workspace set up – with an adjustable chair, a suitable positioning for the keyboard and mouse, and a display at the eye.
• Take frequent breaks – Avoid long periods of sitting or repetitive activity. Allow time to stretch and change positions.
• Exercises to build neck strength and flexibility – include neck rotations and moderate stretches.
• Use Proper Lifting Techniques – when lifting heavy goods, bend the knees, maintain a straight back, and lift with the legs instead of the back and neck.

With adequate therapy and self-care methods, most occurrences of neck discomfort recover within a few days to weeks. However, untreated or prolonged neck pain might result in consequences such as:

• Reduced mobility.
• Reduced quality of life.
• Fatigue.
• Sleep problems.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Poor work productivity.
• Impacted daily activities.