Tension

Most muscles of the body relax completely when they are not being used but some muscles (known as 'antigravity muscles') have to work all the time in order to keep your body upright. Muscles at the back of your neck must always be tensed, otherwise your head would fall forwards when you are sitting or standing. when these muscles work too hard it can cause neck pain and tension headaches. People who are worried or under stress often tighten their muscles more than is neccessary to hold their head upright - in other words, they are literally 'tense' Tension headaches are very common and are often wrongly called migraines.

Whiplash

This type of injury often follows a rear-end collision in a car. In this type of collision, first the body is carried forward and the head flips backwards. then, as the body stops, the head is thrown forwards following a whiplash injury there is often a delay before the pain and stiffness start. Although whiplash can badly damage your neck, the majority of peaople who suffer these shunt accidents do not have major damage. In most cases injuries feel better within a few weeks or months. Seat belts and properly ajusted headrests in cars have significantly reduced the damage from whplash injuries.