What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For instance, avoiding overuse or injury of the neck muscles can prevent these causes of neck pain. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Any pain, when severe, can disrupt a person's life. Sleep, work, and other activities may be difficult. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For instance, cancer can result in death. A bulging disk or severe arthritis may cause muscle weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the arms or hands. A broken or dislocated bone in the spine of the neck may cause permanent paralysis and numbness of the body below the head.

What are the risks to others?

Neck pain itself is not contagious. But if the cause is an infection, such as strep throat, the infection may be contagious.