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Health Information

Illnesses & Conditions
Information on diseases and health concerns, including symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.

Neck Pain

What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for neck pain that you cannot control include:

Age. People older than 50 are more likely to have breakdown (degeneration) of discs or joints, as well as bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck (cervical spondylosis).
Recent injury or history of injury. A common injury to the neck is whiplash caused by a car accident.
Conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues of the neck and back, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a narrowing of the spinal canal (cervical spinal stenosis), or a severely curved spine (scoliosis).
A history of having headaches.

Risk factors that you can control include:

Awkward positions that put stress on the neck.
Stress and poor posture, at home or at work.
Heavy physical work.
Boredom at or unhappiness with work.
Depression.
Smoking.
Drug abuse.
Poor physical condition and lack of exercise.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: August 21, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.