Trauma, such as from a broken neck, neck sprain, or whiplash, is the most common cause of neck injury. Car and other motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports-related impact are examples of trauma. They may cause soft tissue injuries to the neck muscles, or fractures of the spine.
Other neck conditions, including arthritis, pinched nerves, and spondylosis, are the result of degenerative diseases in the spine or aging.
The signs and symptoms of common neck conditions vary depending on the specific problem and what part of the neck is affected. Neck pain is a common symptom of any neck condition, however. Neck conditions also commonly cause pain that spreads from the neck to the head, shoulders, jaw, or even the upper arms.