The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness. Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In many cases, it’s due to poor posture or overuse. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash. Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. But in some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require a doctor’s care. If you have neck pain that continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Most neck pain improves gradually with home treatment. If not, see your doctor. Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall. Contact us if your neck pain: Is severe Persists for several days without relief Spreads down arms or legs Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling Dr. Branko Skovrlj at Neck Pain Doctor Essex County is a leading neurosurgeon who specializes in treating neck pain. He uses cutting edge, minimally invasive spine surgeries. The earlier you undergo treatment, the better chance you have of preventing further cervical spine damage. Call us now: (862) 253-0577.