How to prevent neck pain. To ward off neck pain, it is helpful to take inventory of your posture or daily habits that could trigger neck pain, like sitting for extended periods in positions that strain the neck during reading, TV watching, computer work, or sleeping. Attending to the cause may stop some flare-ups of neck pain at the source., Neck pain or stiffness is usually from poor posture or overuse, or an awkward sleeping position. But sometimes, it can indicate a serious injury like whiplash or an illness, so a doctor’s care , Neck pain can be an acute problem caused by an injury (like whiplash), or a chronic condition that develops and may get worse over time (like arthritis in the spine). Providers can use a combination of exams and tests to figure out the cause of neck pain and recommend the best treatment., Neck Pain Treatment. Treatments could include medications called muscle relaxants, physical therapy, a padded neck collar, or traction. In rare situations, you may need shots of cortisone or even , Lifestyle and home remedies. Besides taking pain relievers, self-care measures that might relieve neck pain include: Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 15 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours., Neck pain may signal a more serious underlying issue if it is severe, lasts longer than a week, or occurs with other symptoms. The neck consists of a combination of support structures that include .