To get a better idea of why your neck hurts, take a look at how it works. The spine is made up of 33 bones, called vertebrae or vertebral bodies. The vertebrae are positioned one on top of another from the base of the skull to the pelvis.

A shock absorbing structure called an intervertebral disc sits between each vertebrae, and each spinal segment (defined as two vertebrae separated by one intervertebral disc) is connected by two small articulating surfaces called facet joints.

Together, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs form the spinal column. The spinal column supports the weight of the head and upper body, serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments that allow you to perform every day activities, and most importantly, protects the spinal cord.

The top seven vertebrae make up the neck (or cervical) region of the spine. When the bones or discs in the neck become diseased or injured, it can affect your ability to move and function normally.

Neck pain can be defined as acute or chronic. Acute pain typically occurs suddenly and can be severe, but it usually only lasts for a short period of time. In contrast, chronic pain is usually persistent and may not improve on its own over time.

Neck pain can also be classified as either mechanical or neurological:​

1. Mechanical pain refers to pain that is generated as a result of inflammation of or a breakdown in the mechanical components of the spine that create movement, i.e. intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments and/or muscles.

2. Neurological pain refers to pain, numbness or weakness that is generated by a narrowing of either the spinal canal or the passageways called neural foramen (for-AY-men) through which the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. This narrowing can cause irritation of the spinal cord or spinal nerves, which in turn can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders or arms.¹

If any of the following symptoms persist, it’s important that you consult with your doctor: