Neck pain is a common condition experienced by many individuals. Neck pain may be caused by injury, trauma, whiplash injury, strains, facet joint disease, disc problems, arthritis, cervical spondylosis, post surgical pain or referred pain (such as pain associated with a heart attack). The most common cause of neck pain is related to injuries of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The quality of neck pain can be dull, sharp, aching, burning, cramping, electric or stabbing. Generally individuals may also have decreased range of motion in their neck, pain radiating to the arm and hand or up into the head. Associated headaches (cervicogenic headaches) are also common. In addition, various neurologic symptoms may be experienced in the arm if the nerve root is being affected. Some of these symptoms are burning pain, numbness or weakness. Most cases of neck pain will resolve with conservative therapy, but the pain should be investigated by your physician if symptoms do not improve over time, trauma is involved, neurologic symptoms are involved or the symptoms progress further.