And it has to perform this task with only seven small cervical vertebrae and a few dozen muscles that must flex and relax, with even the slightest nod, thousands of times a day. Considering the toughness of its job and its vulnerability to vary stresses, it is no wonder that the neck is strained more often than any other body structure, according to some authorities. For example, holding your head in an awkward position, sleeping upright in a chair, or plain overwork can lead to neck pain. Slumping over a desk or a machine can strain the trapezius muscle that runs down the neck from the base of the skull and fans out to the shoulder blades and back. Unbalanced acts such as carrying a heavy suitcase or briefcase or scrunching a telephone receiver between your shoulder and ear can strain the sternomastoid muscle which runs from the base of the skull below the ear down the front of the neck to the clavicle.
Mental stress can also cause neck pain - sometimes severe.
A common stress reaction to anger, fear, or depression is the tightening of the neck muscles. If prolonged, this muscle tightening builds up by-products that can cause muscle spasms. This brings on more pain and more spasms. Many minor neck strains will clear up with a good night's sleep. Major neck problems, however, are another matter.