There are many possible causes of neck pain, many of which can be prevented to some degree. Because the causes of neck pain are so diverse, tips for preventing neck pain must be discussed in terms of preventing each of the causal conditions that lead to neck pain. This article will cover common and more uncommon causes of neck pain, such as whiplash, muscle strain, pinched nerves, infections and vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis.

Whiplash, a condition in which ligaments in the neck are damaged due to an unnatural whipping of the neck, is most commonly caused by being in an automobile accident. The type of car accident that is most likely to produce a whiplash injury is a rear-end collision. Some car accidents are preventable by the driver, but the driver does not always have control over the situation. In order to reduce the chances of getting into a car accident, make sure that you only drive when you are awake, alert, non-distracted and sober. There is one other thing besides safe, conscious driving that can help reduce the severity of whiplash: make sure that the vehicle you are driving is equipped with proper head support and make sure that the head rests are used properly by all passengers. Head restraints in cars are properly aligned when they fully support the head and neck; that is, a head rest that is positioned too low will be much less effective at protecting the neck in case of a rear-end auto collision.

Muscle strains or pulled muscles in the neck can cause neck pain. Muscle strains can be prevented by stretching muscles prior to exercise and staying hydrated. Some muscle strains in the neck and shoulders are not due to exercise or heavy lifting, but instead caused by turning the head abruptly. This type of neck strain is difficult to predict or prevent. Other times, neck strain can be induced by sleeping with the neck in an uncomfortable position. Make sure that you have proper head, neck and back support while sleeping.

Several different spinal conditions can cause a painful pinched nerve in the neck. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can not really be prevented as it is a condition that is due primarily to age-related degeneration. Herniated discs in the cervical (neck) region are another common cause of pinched nerves in the neck. Herniated intervertebral discs and degenerative disc disease are also influenced by age-related changes, but improper lifting, bad exercise technique and acute trauma can also have an effect. Smoking also has some effect on intervertebral disc health, so quitting can help reduce the damage. In order to help prevent herniated discs, lift properly and stretch before exercising.

Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by certain types of infections. Common infections, like mononucleosis and strep throat, can cause swelling of structures like the lymph nodes in the neck and the tonsils and cause a severely sore throat. To some degree, these contagious infections can be prevented if you avoid people who are showing symptoms. Mono can be spread through saliva, so don't kiss or share food, utensils or drinks with anyone who is ill. Streptococcus bacteria, which cause strep throat, can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, on their hands, on inanimate objects the person touches for several hours and via saliva. The best way to prevent strep throat is to avoid in-person contact with people with strep throat entirely, if at all possible.

Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord that usually presents with fever, neck pain and stiffness and headache. Meningitis can actually be caused by many different types of causative agents, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Some types of meningitis can be prevented effectively with vaccines. There are vaccines against meningitis caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HiB), which most often affects infants. Vaccines also exist against meningococcal meningitis, another bacterial form of meningitis which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This type of meningitis is more common among teenagers and young adults, and the vaccine is often given before a student goes to live in a college dorm. The pneumococcal meningitis vaccine protects against meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Some types of meningitis are more contagious than others. For example, fungal meningitis is rare because it usually affects people with compromised immune systems.

Vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis can cause neck pain in some cases. These fractures can be prevented with osteoporosis treatment, which can involve medication that improve build-up of bone and decrease bone resorption, exercise plans that help build bone density and vitamin D and calcium supplements. In some cases, surgery can help reinforce vertebrae that may be in danger of fracturing.