Neck pain on one side is usually caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or nerve issues, but it can also be linked to injuries, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. The exact cause depends on how the pain feels, when it started, and other symptoms.

Common Causes of One-Sided Neck Pain

Muscle Strain & Tension (Most Common)

• Sleeping in an awkward position (“cricked neck”)
• Poor posture (hunching over a desk or looking down at a phone)
• Sudden movement or overuse (lifting something heavy, turning too quickly)
• Stress-related tension

How To Help Get Relief – Gentle neck stretches, heat therapy, and posture correction usually help.

Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy)

• Sharp, burning, or radiating pain from the neck down the arm
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or fingers
• Pain worsens with certain neck movements

How To Help Get Relief – Gentle stretches, rest, ice/heat therapy, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend physical therapy or medication.

Joint or Disc Issues (Cervical Arthritis or Herniated Disc)

• Persistent stiffness and pain, especially in the morning
• Pain worsens with movement but improves after stretching
• May feel like a grinding or cracking sensation in the neck

How To Help Get Relief – Stretching, light exercise, and anti-inflammatory medication can help. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy or injections.

Swollen Lymph Nodes or Infection

• Tender lump under the jaw or behind the ear
• Pain increases when swallowing or turning the head
• Symptoms like fever, sore throat, or fatigue may be present

How To Help Get Relief – If related to a cold or infection, symptoms should improve as the body fights it off. If swelling lasts longer than two weeks, a medical evaluation may be needed.

TMJ Disorder (Jaw Joint Pain)

• Pain near the jaw, ear, and side of the neck
• Clicking or popping when chewing or opening the mouth
• Tightness in the jaw or frequent headaches

How To Help Get Relief – Avoid chewing gum, massage the jaw, apply heat, and try relaxation techniques. A dentist may need to check for TMJ issues.

Whiplash or Injury

• Neck pain that started after a car accident, fall, or sudden impact
• Stiffness and soreness in the neck and shoulders
• Possible headaches or dizziness

How To Help Get Relief – Rest, ice, gentle movement, and over-the-counter pain relief can help. If symptoms persist, a doctor should evaluate for whiplash-related injuries.

When You Should See A Doctor

You might want to consider it urgent if…

• Pain lasts longer than two weeks or worsens
• There’s numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
• The pain follows an injury or accident
• Symptoms like fever, weight loss, or severe headaches are present

One-sided neck pain is usually muscle-related and improves with rest, stretching, and posture correction. If the pain is persistent, severe, or comes with other symptoms, then you might need a real medical evaluation.