There can be a number of different contributing factors that are related to neck pain. For example, if you have been in an accident or slipped and fell then your neck muscles could have been strained. It could also be related to posture, perhaps from working at a desk or on a computer. Holding your neck in a single position for an extended period of time such as while driving a vehicle or working at a computer can create and increase pain in the neck. Osteoarthritis is another common cause of neck pain. Emotional stress or even sleeping behaviors can be causes of pain the neck. In some cases, neck pain can be related to a more serious issue such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.