Poor posture, long working hours either working at a desk or focused activities such as playing an instrument can cause neck pain.  A common cause of neck pain is osteoarthritis which can be a higher majority of people older than age 50, the discs between the vertebrae become less spongy and provide less of a cushion.

It is uncommon for neck pain to be a symptom of a more serious problem.  If you notice numbness in the hands or loss of strength and muscle in the upper body, or if pain shoots into a shoulder or down a hand then it is advised that you seek medical care.