An aching, throbbing or shooting pain in your neck could spell trouble.

Here are possible causes, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic:

• Straining the neck muscles by stooping over your computer or phone, or by reading in bed.
• Osteoarthritis of the neck.
• A compressed nerve.
• Sustaining an injury, such as from a car accident.
• Conditions such as meningitis, cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: HealthDay