Most causes of neck pain aren't serious. Sleeping oddly, poor posture or working out too hard at the gym can cause neck pain which resolves quickly with minimal treatment. If you find yourself unable to touch your chin to your chest after several days of self-treatment, it is time to check in with your doctor.

Variations on a Theme -

Neck pain comes in a variety of types and intensities. Ranging from dull to sharp and acute to chronic, neck pain spans the spectrum of discomfort. Neck pain can spread down the shoulders and back or up to the head. Stiffness is another common symptom that goes along with neck pain.

Four Common Causes -

While there are numerous causes of neck pain some are more common:

1. Muscular strains. When you spend too much time hunched over a steering wheel or computer, your neck is required to support your head in an unnatural position. This puts a strain on muscles that are supposed to work in a vertical posture. Over time chronic pain may develop.

2. Injuries. The most common neck injury is whiplash. Caused by a rapid forward and back movement that stretches or tears the internal neck muscles, whiplash can take a long time to heal and needs to be treated seriously.

3. Disc related disorders. The discs that rest between your vertebrae lose their elasticity and height with age. As the space between vertebrae narrows pressure on the nerves exiting the spine can cause pain. Herniated discs are a frequent source of neck pain in the over-40 set.

4. Bone changes. Another age related problem, this is where the joints in the neck wear down over time. Osteoarthritis and bone spurs may develop as you grow older and those changes can lead to neck pain and stiffness.

Self Treatment Options -

There are many things you can do at home to treat neck pain. Icing the area is useful in reducing the inflammation common with sprains and can help reduce pain caused by disc disorders and bone changes. NSAIDs are available over the counter and can also significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammation and pain.

Resting the neck and making postural changes to reduce neck strain can help in cases where your pain is caused by poor posture. Changing pillows may provide your head with better support, reducing the load placed on the neck at night.

If these things don't help within a few days, head to the doctor.

Medical Options for Neck Pain -

Your doctor will evaluate your neck for pain levels, range of motion and more. This exam may involve movement tests as well as imaging studies. Once a cause is found, treatment will be tailored to your needs.

Physical therapy, stronger NSAIDs and traction may be recommended. On rare occasions you may be asked to wear an immobilizing collar. Even rarer is the option of surgery.

Dealing with chronic neck pain is truly a pain in the neck, but with the many treatment options available it is reasonable to believe that your physician will be able to help you manage your pain and return to a normal lifestyle.