There are many different possible causes for neck pain, with one of the most common causes including physical strain or muscle pain due to poor spinal alignment from bad posture, having a heavier bodyweight, or weak abdominal muscles, as well as overuse of the neck muscles from repetitive use or straining. These causes often lead to stiffness as well as pain in the neck muscles. Neck pain can also be caused by trauma or other injuries that lead to damage of the discs, vertebral joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord to the neck. The most common neck injury is whiplash, often being caused by car accidents. Simply aging can lead to some neck pain as it is normal to experience some wear and tear on the neck, causing parts of the area to begin to degenerate leading to pain. Common age-related conditions that cause neck pain include osteoarthritis, weakening of the spinal discs causing pinched nerves or herniation of discs, as well as spinal stenosis. Even mental health can cause neck pain as mental stress will often lead to the tightening of neck muscles to the point of causing significant pain and stiffness. It is also possible to develop growths on the neck, such as bone spurs, cysts, and tumors that put pressure on the nerves of the neck, causing pain. As well, there are a few health conditions that include neck pain as one of their common symptoms, including meningitis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.