What Are the Causes of Lower Neck Pain?

Lower neck pain can be problematic in accomplishing important daily tasks. An important factor in deciding how to treat the pain is finding out the cause. This may be tricky as there are several possible causes of lower neck pain.

Poor Posture

• According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, "Most causes of neck pain aren't serious. Poor posture at work, such as leaning into your computer, and during hobbies, such as hunching over your workbench, are common causes of neck pain."

Muscle Strains

• Muscle strains due to overuse can also be a cause of lower neck pain. Muscle strain can be caused by even minor activities such as reading in bed, or gritting your teeth.

Worn Joints

• According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, "Like the other joints in your body, your neck joints experience wear and tear with age, which can cause osteoarthritis in your neck."

Disk Disorders

• According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, "As you age, the cushioning disks between your vertebrae become dry and stiff, narrowing the spaces in your spinal column where the nerves come out."

Injuries

• Injuries such as whiplash, and other car accident-related ailments can also be a cause of lower neck pain.

Warning

• Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is so severe that you can not touch your chin to your chest.