MODEL RELEASED. Neck pain. Side view of a bald man holding his neck in pain. This pain may be caused by muscle spasm. Alternatively it could be due to a whiplash injury of the neck in which soft tissues, ligaments and spinal joints are injured due to the neck being 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 the use of painkilling drugs and massage.