Neck pain is a common complaint. That’s not surprising when you realize how much stress the neck can experience. The source of discomfort can vary greatly. It can include: pinched nerves, arthritis, spinal cord compression, infection, tumors and abnormalities in soft tissues, bones and joints. Given the wide range of possible causes, pain treatment can take several forms. Nonsurgical approaches range from wearing a soft collar and doing physical therapy to using ice, heat, injections and oral medications. Surgical procedures also vary, and the decision to use them depends on the condition and the patient’s age, general health and pain level.