Chronic Neck Pain Causes

People with chronic neck pain may have difficulty with participating in normal daily activities and hobbies that they once enjoyed. Chronic neck pain can also interfere with the ability to perform certain tasks on the job, and can make it difficult to find a comfortable position to sit or sleep in. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic, the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Pain Foundation about the causes of chronic neck pain.

Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis, which is more commonly referred to as arthritis, is a cause of chronic neck pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although older people are more likely to develop arthritis, anyone who experiences significant wear and tear on the joints of the neck can develop the condition. Arthritis in the vertebrae of the neck can cause the neck to be stiff, inflamed and chronically painful.

Disk Disorders

• According to the National Pain Foundation, disorders of the vertebrae of the neck can cause chronic neck pain. An abnormal narrowing of the canal in the vertebrae that the spinal cord runs through, which is called cervical spondylosis, can inflame the spinal cord and cause chronic pain. Degeneration of the disks in the neck can also be a cause of chronic neck pain, and becomes more common with increasing age.

Injuries

• According to the Mayo Clinic, injuries can be a cause of chronic neck pain. Collisions involving vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles and bicycles, can cause a sprain or whiplash in the ligaments of the neck, resulting in chronic pain. A fall can fracture the vertebrae in the neck and result in an inflamed or pinched nerve, which can be a cause of chronic neck pain.

Muscle Strains

• Strains of the muscles of the neck, which often results from overuse, is a cause of chronic neck pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, frequent teeth grinding and reading while laying down can strain the neck muscles and cause pain. Sitting in front of a computer monitor for long hours or exercising without first stretching can also strain the muscles of the neck and cause chronic pain.

Personal Habits

• According to the American Physical Therapy Association, certain personal habits can be a cause of chronic neck pain. Holding a cell phone between the shoulder and ear can strain and compress the nerves in the neck and cause chronic pain. Carrying a heavy purse, diaper bag or using a child carrier or sling improperly can also be a cause of chronic neck pain, often referred to as "shopper's tilt."

Posture

• Problems with posture during walking, lifting and resting can be a cause of chronic neck pain according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Using too many pillows or sleeping with the head at an angle as well as sleeping on the stomach can be a cause of chronic neck pains. Poor lifting techniques, sitting too far away from the steering wheel while driving, and slouching while sitting or walking are also causes of chronic neck pain.