Neck and shoulder pain Summary The neck and shoulders are prone to injury. Trauma, poor posture and arthritis are common causes of neck pain. Injuries include whiplash, tendonitis, fractures and dislocation of the shoulder. Treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy or remedial massage can generally help neck and shoulder pain. The head is supported by the neck, which is made up of seven bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. The vertebrae are cushioned by discs of cartilage and bound together with ligaments. Muscles provide movement and additional support. The neck is very mobile, which means it is less stable than other areas of the body and more susceptible to injury. Trauma, poor posture and degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, are the most common causes of neck pain. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with a large range of movement. Once again, a mobile joint tends to be more susceptible to injury. The shoulder joint relies heavily on the shoulder muscles for stability. Any dysfunction of these muscles or other anatomical structures, such as the collarbone, shoulder blade or joint itself, can cause pain and mobility problems. Treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy or remedial massage can generally help neck and shoulder pain. Whiplash injury An injury to the neck that results from a sudden jerking backwards and forwards is often called a whiplash. Typically, this occurs as a result of a rear-end motor vehicle accident. This type of injury can overstretch the neck and upper back region, resulting in