Muscle Strain: Poor posture (e.g., slouching while sitting or sleeping in an awkward position) can put stress on the neck muscles.

Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Arthritis): Age-related wear and tear of the discs and joints in the neck can lead to stiffness, pain, and sometimes nerve compression.

Herniated Disc: A disc in the cervical spine (neck) can slip or bulge out of place, pressing on the nerves and causing pain, numbness, or tingling that may radiate into the shoulders, arms, or hands.

Whiplash: Caused by a sudden jerking motion of the neck (common in car accidents), whiplash can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Cervical Radiculopathy: This occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the arms.

Tension Headaches: Tightness in the neck and upper back muscles can lead to tension headaches, often accompanied by neck stiffness and pain.

Pinched Nerve: A nerve may be pinched due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or muscle spasm. This can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the neck and arms.

Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like meningitis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause neck pain, though these are less common.