Neck pain. Posterior view of a woman holding her neck due to the pain she is suffering. This pain may be caused by muscle spasm in the neck and back. Alternatively it could be due to a whiplash injury of the neck in which soft tissues, ligaments and spinal joints are injured when the neck is suddenly and forcibly bent. Neck fractures or a slipped disc may be to blame where there is considerable neck pain. Treatments of milder forms of neck pain include use of painkilling drugs and massage.