Neck pain can be caused by a number of things, ranging from tension headaches to physical injury to dental problems. If your neck is hurting, it's important to first try to identify the source of the pain. If you've suffered an injury, consult a health care professional, who may wish to X-ray your neck or spine, or you could even need more comprehensive tests, such as an MRI. Neck pain can be caused by a misalignment of the spine, by problems with spinal discs, or disease. Your neck may also be sore because of repeated stress over time caused by poor posture, holding the phone on your shoulder while you talk, or sleeping in an awkward position. If you have ill-fitting dentures, missing teeth, or a poor bite, or you grind or clench your teeth, that may also cause your neck to hurt. Psycho-social stress factors coming from everyday living and interpersonal relationships can make the neck tense and sore, so the expression 'pain in the neck' can have a literal meaning, as well as a figurative one. Treatment for neck pain depends on the cause. It may be as simple as massage therapy, a hot shower, or an over-the-counter pain reliever, or it could require more comprehensive treatment, which could include prescription drugs or surgery. If you have chronic neck pain, you may also want to seek psychological help to manage it. Methods such as guided imagery, relaxation, and biofeedback have been shown to successfully help many people manage their pain.
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