What are some common causes of neck pain?

Degenerative disc disease, neck strain, whiplash, herniated disc and pinched nerves are common causes of neck strain, according to MedicineNet. Other causes of neck pain include swollen lymph nodes, infections such as tuberculosis and meningitis, fibromyalgia, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Neck pain is discomfort of any of the structures in the neck such as the muscles, nerves, vertebrae and disks, according to MedlinePlus. Numbness, tingling, tenderness and sharp pain are symptoms of neck pain, according to MedicineNet.

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen help to alleviate neck pain. Applying a hot or cool compress to the area, and gently stretching the neck muscles can also alleviate neck pain, according to MedlinePlus.